Game system and game information storage medium used for same

ABSTRACT

A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in an X-axis and Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in an Z-axis direction. These sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g., tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g., tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/677,577filed on Oct. 3, 2000 which claims prior from Japanese Application No.11-282592 filed on Oct. 4, 1999 and Japanese Application No. 2000-174573filed on Jun. 9, 2000, the contents of each are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Example embodiments of present technology described herein relate to agame system and game information storage medium used for same. Moreparticularly, the present example embodiments relate to a game systemand game information storage medium used for same, which detects achange amount and direction of a tilt, movement or impact applied to ahousing of a portable game apparatus or to a controller of a video gameapparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In operating the conventional portable game apparatus, a playermanipulates the operation switch, such as a direction instructing keyjoystick) or buttons while holding the video game machine's controller(controller housing) or portable game apparatus' housing by both hands.For example, if the player presses a direction instructing key at anyone of up, down, left and right pressing points, a moving(player-controlled) character is moved in the pressed direction of up,down, left or right. If the action button is operated, the movingcharacter is changed in its state of display, e.g. the moving characterperforms an action, such as jumping, as defined on the action button.

Also, in the conventional game apparatus or game software (gameinformation storage medium), the player can operate the operation switchin order to change the motion of a moving (player-controlled) characteracting as a player's other self on the screen. Consequently, it has beendifficult for the player to change the game space (or background scene)freely through his or her manipulation.

In the conventional game operation method, the player has been requiredto remember the way to operate a game according to the suggestion givenin the game-software instruction manuals. Furthermore, the use of ageneral-purpose operation switch has made it difficult to realize achange of the game space (or game scene) in a manner matching theplayer's feeling of manipulating the operation-switch, resulting in amismatch between the player's feel of operation and the screen-displaystate. Under such situations, the player possibly encounters difficultyin concentrating on playing the game before mastering the way tomanipulate the game, thus losing his or her interest.

Meanwhile, with the conventional game apparatus or game software, thegame space (or background scene) could not have been changed by theplayer's operation, thus limiting the game space variation and henceamusement resulting therefrom.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, it is one aspect of present example embodiments of to providea game system and game information storage medium used for same whichcan change the state of a game space according to the operation by aplayer.

Another aspect of the present example embodiments is to provide a gamesystem and game information storage medium used for same which canchange the state of a game space through simple operation so that aplayer can concentrate on game play with enhanced enthusiasm without thenecessity of having a high degree of skill on how to operate the game.

Still another aspect of the present example embodiments is to provide agame system and game information storage medium used for same which canrealize the change of a game scene matching an operation feeling throughby matching the player's operation and the game-space change.

Yet another aspect of the present example embodiments is to provide agame system and game information storage medium used for same which canchange the state of a game space through the interaction with aplurality of portable game apparatuses to allow a plurality of playersto cooperate or compete, thereby providing a variety of game-spacechange states, enhanced interest of game and virtual reality amusement.

A first present exemplary embodiment is a game system having, in arelated fashion, a game apparatus having game program storage meansstoring a game program and processing means for executing the gameprogram, and display means to display an image based on a result ofprocessing by the processing means. The game system includes a housingto be held by a player and change-state detecting means. Thechange-state detecting means is related to the housing so that itdetects at least one of an amount (e.g. tilt amount, movement amount,impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g. tilt direction,movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied tothe housing. The game program storage means stores game space data, adisplay control program and a simulation program.

The game space data includes image data to display a space for gameplay. A display control program causes the display means to display agame space based on the game space data. A simulation program simulatesbased on an output of the change-state detecting means such that a stateof the game space is changed related to at least one of a change amountand a change direction applied to the housing.

Here, game space means a world of a game in which the game can bepossibly played. The game space is different by game kind or genre, andis presented to a player through a display screen. For example, for anaction or roll-playing game having a moving (player-controlled)character to move therein, game space may be a background, a maze orother maps. For a battle game, it may be a ring (in addition to this,the game space includes the space of the audience seats and the spaceabove the ring). For a race game, it may be a space of a course forrunning the race and a periphery of the course. For a shooting game, abackground scene such as a cosmic space for a background of a character(however, characters are not required, and a game space in which nocharacter exists is contemplated). In a game using a tool, game spacemay be a scene to associate the use of a tool.

Simulation refers to game control for analogously representing a changecaused in the actual space in a form of a game-space state change. Thechange caused in the actual space is based on at least one of an amountand a direction of a tilt, movement or impact applied to the housing.Game control includes the case of simulating a state change of the gamespace itself and the case of simulating an indirect effect upon anotherobject caused by a change in state of the game space. The former is acase that simulation is made such that, when an impact is given to thehousing, a land in the game space is transformed on an assumption thatenergy has been supplied to the game space. The latter is a case thatsimulation is made such that, when the housing is tilted, a ballexisting on a maze plate rolls on an assumption that the maze plate asan example of the game space is tilted. Where simulating a state changeof a game space, it is possible to consider varying a parameter such asa temperature rise in the game space, in addition to causing a change ofdisplay including land transformation.

A second present exemplary embodiment is a game information storagemedium storing a game program and being detachably loaded in a gamesystem. The game system is structured by operating means having arelated display means and includes a housing to be held by a player,change-state detecting means related to the housing for detecting atleast one of an amount and a direction of a change applied to thehousing, and processing means to display on the display means an imageobtained by processing a program. The game information storage mediumstores game space data, a display control program and a simulationprogram.

The game space data includes image data to display a space for gameplay. A display control program causes the display means to display agame space based on the game space data. A simulation program providessimulation based on an output of the change-state detecting means suchthat a state of the game space is changed related to at least one of anamount and a direction of a change applied to the housing.

A third present exemplary embodiment is a game information storagemedium storing a game program and being detachably loaded in a portablegame apparatus. The portable game apparatus includes a housingintegrally having display means to be held by a player, and processingmeans to display on the display means an image obtained by processing aprogram. A change-state detecting means is provided which is related toone of the portable game apparatus and the game information storagemedium for detecting at least one of an amount and a direction of achange applied to one of a housing of the portable game apparatus andthe game information storage medium.

The game information storage medium stores game space data, a displaycontrol program and a simulation program. The game space data includesimage data to display a space for game play. A display control programcauses the display means to display a game space based on the game spacedata. A simulation program provides simulation based on an output of thechange-state detecting means such that a state of the game space ischanged related to at least one of an amount and a direction of a changeapplied to the housing.

A fourth present exemplary embodiment is a game system structured atleast by two game apparatuses that interact with each other. The twogame apparatuses each have game program storage means to store aprogram, processing means to execute a game program, and a housing to beheld by a player, and in a related fashion display means to display animage based on a result of processing by the processing means. At leastone of the two game apparatuses is related to its respective housing andhas change-state detecting means to detect at least one of an amount anda direction of a change applied to the housing. The game system furtherhas data transmitting means connected to the two game apparatuses fortransmitting mutually-related data to the game apparatus on the oppositeside.

The respective game program storage means of the two game apparatusesstore game space data and display control programs. The game space dataincludes image data to display a space for game play. The displaycontrol program causes the display means to display a game space basedon the game space data. The game program storage means of at least theother of the two game apparatuses further includes a simulation programto provide simulation based on an output of the change-state detectingmeans of the one game apparatus transmitted through the datatransmitting means such that a state of the game space of the other ofthe game apparatuses is changed related to at least one of an amount anda direction of a change applied to the housing of one of the gameapparatuses.

According to this present example embodiment, it is possible to obtain agame system and game information storage medium used for same that canchange a state of a game space.

Also, according to the present example embodiments, a game system andgame information storage medium used for same is to be obtained whichcan change the state of a game space through simple operation so that aplayer can concentrate on game play with enhanced enthusiasm without thenecessity of having a high degree on operating the game.

Also, according to the present example embodiments, a game system andgame information storage medium used for same is to be obtained whichcan realize the change of a game scene matched to an operation feelingthrough matching the player's operation and the game-space change.

Further, according to the present example embodiments, a game system andgame information storage medium used for same is to be obtained whichcan change the state of a game space through the interaction with aplurality of portable game apparatuses to allow a plurality of playersto cooperate or compete, thereby providing a variety of game-spacechange states, an enhanced interest in the game and virtual realityamusement.

The above described aspects and other features, aspects and advantagesof the present example embodiments will become more apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the present example embodiments whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external view of a portable game apparatus of one presentexample embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a view showing a definition of XYZ axes;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the portable game apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a sensor interface;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a principle on measuring the output of anacceleration sensor;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a structure of a Z-axis contact switch;

FIG. 7 is a view showing that a movement input (or impact input) in theZ-axis direction is detected by the Z-axis contact switch;

FIG. 8 is an example of a game scene of a first embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustrative view showing a slide input;

FIG. 10 is an illustrative view showing a tilt input;

FIG. 11 is an illustrative view showing an impact input in an X-axis orY-axis direction;

FIG. 12 is an illustrative view showing a movement input (impact input)in the Z-axis direction;

FIG. 13 is an illustrative view showing a way to utilize a slide input;

FIG. 14 is an illustrative view showing a way to utilize a tilt input;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a way to utilize an impactinput;

FIG. 16 is a memory map of a program ROM of the first embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a memory map of a work RAM of the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a memory map of a display RAM of the first embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a memory map of a backup RAM of the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 21 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 22 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 23 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 24 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 25 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 26 is an acceleration-sensor output conversion table of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a main routine flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a 0G set process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a neutral-position set process flowchart of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 30 is a game map elect process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a sensor output read process flowchart of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 32 is an each-object moving process flowchart of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 33 is a player-character moving process flowchart of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 34 is an NPC moving process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a jump moving process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a wave moving process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a collision process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a screen-scroll explanatory view (before scroll) of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 39 is a screen-scroll explanatory view (after scroll) of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 40 is a screen-scroll process flowchart of the first embodiment;

FIG. 41 is an example of a game scene of a second embodiment;

FIG. 42 is an example of a game scene (land-upheaval process) of thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 43 is an example of a game scene (range-of-sight moving process) ofthe second embodiment;

FIG. 44 is an example of a game scene (temperature increasing process)of the second embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a memory map of a program ROM of the second embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a memory map of a work RAM of the second embodiment;

FIG. 47 is a main routine flowchart of the second embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a range-of-sight moving process flowchart of the secondembodiment;

FIG. 49 is a land-upheaval process flowchart of the second embodiment;

FIG. 50 is an example of a game scene of a third embodiment;

FIG. 51 is an example of a game scene (frypan space process) of thethird embodiment;

FIG. 52 is an example of a game scene (frypan space process) of thethird embodiment;

FIG. 53 is an example of a game scene (kitchen-knife space process) ofthe third embodiment;

FIG. 54 is a memory map of a work RAM of the third embodiment;

FIG. 55 is a main routine flowchart of the third embodiment;

FIG. 56 is a frypan space process flowchart of the third embodiment;

FIG. 57 is a kitchen-knife space process flowchart of the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 58 is an egg jump process flowchart of the third embodiment;

FIG. 59 is cabbage cut process flowchart of the third embodiment;

FIG. 60 is an example of a game scene of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 61 is a main routine flowchart of a game apparatus 10 of a fourthembodiment;

FIG. 62 is a main routine flowchart of a game apparatus 40 of the fourthembodiment;

FIG. 63 is a mater-unit map confirming process flowchart of the fourthembodiment;

FIG. 64 is a slave-machine map confirming process flowchart of thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 65 is a master-machine communication interrupt process flowchart ofthe FIG. 4 embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a slave-machine communication interrupt process flowchart ofthe FIG. 4 embodiment;

FIG. 67 is an example that a present example embodiment is applied to acontroller of a home-use game apparatus; and

FIG. 68 is an example of a scene that a present example embodiment isapplied to a controller of a home-use game apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

With reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 40, explanations will be made regardinga portable game apparatus according to a first present exampleembodiment. FIG. 1 is an outside view showing a portable game apparatus.The portable game apparatus includes a game machine main body 10 and agame cartridge (hereinafter referred merely to as “cartridge”) 30 to beunloadably loaded on the game machine main body 10. The cartridge 30,when loaded on the game machine main body 10, is put in electricalconnection to the game machine main body. The game machine main body 10is provided with a housing 11. The housing 11 includes therein a boardhaving circuits configured as shown in FIG. 3, hereinafter described.The housing 11 has, on one main surface, a LCD (panel) 12 and operationkeys 13 a-13 e and, on the other surface, a hole (cartridge insertionhole) 14 formed to receive a cartridge 30. A connector 15 is provided ona side surface, to allow connection with a communication cable forcommunication, as required, with other portable game apparatuses.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a relationship between theportable game apparatus and XYZ axes thereon. As illustrated, theportable game apparatus is positioned with the LCD 12 directed up andthe operation switches are also positioned toward this direction, anX-axis is taken in a horizontal direction of the portable game apparatus(a positive direction taken rightward), an Y-axis is in a verticaldirection (a positive direction taken depthwise), and a Z-axis is in athickness direction (a positive direction taken upward).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the portable game apparatus. The gamemachine main body 10 incorporates a board 27 therein. The board 27 ismounted with a CPU 21. The CPU 21 is connected with a LCD driver 22, anoperation key 13, a sound generator circuit 23, a communicationinterface 24, a display RAM 25 and a work RAM 26. The sound generatorcircuit 23 is connected with a speaker 16. The communication interface24 is to be connected to another portable game apparatus 40 through aconnector 15 and communication cable 50. Note that, although thecommunication method with the other portable game apparatus 40 was shownby a method using the communication cable 50, it may use radiocommunication, handy phone or the like.

The cartridge 30 incorporates a board 36. The board 36 is mounted with aprogram ROM 34 storing a game program and game data, hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 16, and a backup RAM 35 storing gamedata, hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 19. In addition tothe ROM 34 and the RAM 35, the cartridge 30 includes, as one example ofdetecting means for detecting tilt, movement and impact to the portablegame apparatus main body, an XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 to detectaccelerations in X-axis and Y-axis directions and a Z-axis contactswitch 32 to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. Also, thecartridge 30 includes a sensor interface 33 as an interface to theacceleration detecting means. Where using a triaxial acceleration sensorcapable of detecting accelerations in all the X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axisdirections, the Z-axis contact switch 32 will be unnecessary.Incidentally, the biaxial acceleration sensor (XY-axis accelerationsensor) is more inexpensive than the triaxial sensor. Because thisembodiment does not require a high degree accuracy of accelerationdetection in the Z-axis direction, a Z-axis contact switch 32 isemployed that is simple in structure and inexpensive. Also, where highaccuracy is not required in the XY-axis direction, detecting meanshaving a similar structure to the Z-axis contact switch may be used fordetecting an acceleration in the XY-axis direction.

The program ROM 34 stores a game program to be executed by a CPU 21. Thework RAM 26 stores temporary data required to execute the game program.The backup RAM 35 stores game data to be kept stored even where a powerto the portable game apparatus is turned off. The display data obtainedthrough executing the game program by the CPU 21 is stored in thedisplay RAM 25, which can be displayed on the LCD 12 through a LCDdriver 22. Similarly, the sound data obtained through executing the gameprogram by the CPU 21 is delivered to the sound generator circuit 23 sothat sound is generated and output through the speaker 16. Operationswitches 13 are provided to operate the game. However, the operation key13 is an auxiliary key as far as the present embodiment is concerned.The player is allowed to operate the play of the game play principallyby tilting or moving or giving impact to the portable game apparatus.The tilt, movement and impact to the portable game apparatus during gameoperation are detected by the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axiscontact switch 12. The CPU 21 can execute the game program by utilizingthe output values of the acceleration detecting means.

For a game using a plurality of portable game apparatuses, the dataobtained through executing a game program by the CPU 21 is delivered tothe communication interface 24 and then sent to another portable gameapparatus 40 via the connector 15 and communication cable 50. Meanwhile,the game data of the other portable game apparatus 40 comes to the CPU21 through the communication cable 50, connector 15 and communicationinterface 24.

FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the sensor interface 33. Thesensor interface 33 includes an X counter 331, a Y counter 332, a countstop circuit 333, latches 334 and 335, a decoder 336 and ageneral-purpose I/O port 337. The X counter 331 counts pulses of a clocksignal Φ based on an XY-axis output of the acceleration sensor 31. The Ycounter 332 counts pulses of the clock signal Φ based on a Y-axisoutput. The count stop circuit 333 sends a count stop signal to the Xcounter 331 in response to a fall in an X-axis output of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31, and a count stop signal to the Y counter 332 inresponse to a fall in the Y-axis output. The latches 334 and 335 holdrespective values of the X counter 331 and the Y counter 332. Thedecoder 336 transmits a start/reset signal to the X counter 331, Ycounter 332, latches 334 and 335. The general-purpose I/O port 337 isused to connect with an extension unit. The latches 334 and 335 alsohold an output value of the Z-axis contact switch 32 (“0” or “1”).Specifically, a highest order bit of the latch 334, 335 is assigned toan output value of the Z-axis contact switch 32, while the remaininglower order bits are assigned to the values of the X counter 331 and Ycounter 332. The extension units connectable to the general-purpose I/Oport 337 include a vibration unit which vibrates in relation to a gameprogram providing a game with a feeling of realism.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view showing a principle that the sensorinterface 33 measures a count value having a corresponding magnitude toan acceleration from an output of the acceleration sensor 31. Theacceleration sensor 31 in this embodiment outputs a signalrepresentative of an acceleration magnitude with a duty ratio that haschanged with respect to one period of a waveform (period 1). It is shownin this case that the greater the ratio of a high level period (period 2or period 3) within one period the greater an acceleration has beendetected. Also, the acceleration sensor 31 outputs a magnitude of X-axisacceleration through its X-axis output and a magnitude of Y-axisacceleration through the Y-axis output.

When a count start signal outputted from the decoder 336 becomes a lowlevel, the X counter 331 detects a rise from low to high level in theX-axis output and then starts counting. Specifically, the X counter 331inches up its count value each time a clock signal Φ is given, and stopsthe counting in response to a count stop signal sent from the count stopcircuit 333. In this manner, the X counter 331 counts the clock signal Φduring a period (period 2) between a rise of an X-axis output to a highlevel and a fall of same to a low level, immediately after the countstart signal has become a low level. The Y counter 332, similarly,counts the clock signal Φ during a period (period 3) of between a riseof the Y-axis output to a high level and a fall of same to a low level,immediately after the count start signal has become low level. In thismanner, the X counter 331 holds a count value dependent upon a magnitudeof an X-axial acceleration while the Y counter 332 holds a count valuedependent upon a magnitude of a Y-axial acceleration. The values of theX counter 331 and Y counter 332 are held in the latch 334 and latch 335so that the data of latches 334 and 335 can be read out by the CPU 21through the data bus and utilized for a game program.

The X counter 331 and the Y counter 332 each perform counting, forexample, from “0” up to “31”, wherein setting is made such that, withrespect to a count value “15” as a reference (acceleration 0), −2 G(twice a gravity acceleration in a minus direction) is assigned a countvalue of “0” and 2 G (twice the gravity acceleration in a plusdirection) is assigned a count value of “31”. The CPU 21 reads in such acount value based on a game program wherein the count value “15” is readas “0”, the count value “0” as “−15” and the count value “31” as “16”.Accordingly, when the acceleration sensor 31 detects an acceleration inthe negative direction, the CPU has a negative (−) reading value. Whenan acceleration in the positive direction is detected, the CPU has apositive (+) reading value.

FIG. 6 shows a structural of the contact switch 32. The contact switch32 is structured by a spherical contact 321, contacts 322 and 323, and abox member 324 which are formed of a conductor. Specifically, thespherical contact 321 is movably held almost at a center of a spacedefined within the member 324. For this reason, the box member 324 has,in its inner bottom, a depression 324 a at which the spherical contact321 can rest at almost the center thereof. The box member 324 has, atabove, sheet-formed contacts 322 and 323 having respective first endsformed with semicircular cut-outs 322 a and 323 a. The sheet contacts322 and 323, at their respective other ends, are secured to a board 36with the first ends opposed to each other. The box member 324 is fixedlyheld by the board 36 in a hung state through the contact 322 and 323.With this structure, if the cartridge 30 is powerfully moved in theZ-axis direction (in a plus (positive) or minus (negative) direction),the spherical contact 321 shown in FIG. 7 is moved in the Z-axisdirection within the box member 324 and contacts with the contacts 322and 323 simultaneously. Thus, the contact 322 and the contact 323 areconducted through the spherical contact 321, thereby detecting anacceleration input in the Z-axis direction. Based on a time for whichthe contact 322 and the contact 323 are in conduction, it is possible todetect a magnitude of acceleration in the Z-axis direction. When thecartridge 30 is moderately tilted, the spherical contact 321 moves inthe box member 324 but does not short-circuit between the contacts 322and 323, detecting no acceleration.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a game scene. In this game scene, a ball 61as one example of a player character, tortoises 62 as examples of anenemy characters (non-player character; hereinafter abbreviated as“NPC”), and a wall 63 and hole 64 forming a maze are displayed. Becausea game map is a virtual map that is broader than a display range on anLCD 12, LCD 12 can display only part of the game map so that scroll ismade in accordance with the movement of the player character 61.Although three tortoises 62 a-62 c are displayed as NPC on the LCD 12,there exist many of other tortoises in the game map. Also, there existon the game map such lands as floors, ice surfaces, and under waterareas.

The ball 61 is changed in its moving amount or direction by the player'soperation, such as tilting of or applying movement or impact to theportable game apparatus. The shape is changed as required. Although themovement of the tortoises 62 a-62 c are controlled (moved byself-control) by the game program, they are moved or changed in shapewhere the player tilts, moves or gives impact to the portable gameapparatus.

Outlining this game, a player can manipulate the ball 61 on the game mapwith a maze formed by the walls 63, and smashes the tortoises 62 a-62 cas an example of NPC. A tortoise, if smashed, will vanish or be erasedaway. If all the tortoises are successfully vanished out of the gamemap, a game clear is reached. There exist some holes 64 on the game map.If the ball 61 falls into the hole 64, one mistake is counted or thegame becomes over.

FIG. 9 to FIG. 12 illustrate examples of game operation. FIG. 9illustrates a slide input in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. A movement(slide) in the X-axis direction is detected based upon an X-axis outputof the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31, and a movement (slide) in theY-axis direction is detected based on a Y-axis output of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 (acceleration is caused by movement in the X-axisor Y-axis direction). FIG. 10 illustrates a tilt input about the X or Yaxis. A tilt about the X-axis is detected based on a Y-axis output ofthe XY-axis acceleration sensor 31, and a tilt about the Y-axis isdetected based upon an X-axis output of the XY-axis acceleration sensor31 (a tilt if caused about the X-axis gives rise to acceleration in theY-axis direction due to gravity, and a tilt if caused about the Y-axiscauses acceleration in the X-axis direction due to gravity). FIG. 11illustrates an impact input in the X-axis or Y-axis direction. Theacceleration input in the X-axis direction is outputted at an X-axisoutput of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31. If this output value is aconstant value or greater, it is considered that there has been animpact input. Also, the acceleration input in the Y-axis direction isoutputted at a Y-axis output of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31. Ifthis output value is a constant value or greater, it is considered thatthere has been an impact input. FIG. 12 illustrates a movement input (orimpact input) in the Z-axis direction. The movement (or impact) in theZ-axis direction is detected by the Z-axis contact switch 32.

FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 illustrate an examples of a way to utilize therespective ones of game operation stated above. FIG. 13 illustrates away to utilize a slide input (as one example of a game scene in a gamemap select process hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 30). Ina case of displaying on the LCD 12 partial area of a virtual map broaderthan a display range of the LCD 12, the display area is scrolled bygiving a slide input. Specifically, where providing a slide input in anX-axis plus (i.e., positive) direction, to be displayed is an area movedin the X-axis plus (i.e., positive) direction from the present displayarea. A slide input in the Y-axis direction is similarly processed. Bythus processing a slide input, it is possible to provide a player with afeeling as if he or she is viewing part of a vast world through the LCD12. Incidentally, in this embodiment, such slide input is merelyutilized in a game map select process hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 30, but not utilized in a game-map scroll process as amain game process. The way of processing the scroll of a game map willbe hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 38 to FIG. 40.

FIG. 14 illustrates a way to utilize a tilt input about an X or Y axis.Where there is a tilt input about the X-axis, display is made such thata game character in a game scene (player character 61 and NPC 62) movesparallel in the Y-axis direction (where tilting in a plus (i.e.,positive) direction about the X-axis, display is made such that the gamecharacter moves parallel in a Y-axis minus (i.e., negative) direction).Also, where there is a tilt input about the Y-axis, display is made suchthat the game character in the game scene, player character 61 and NPC62) moves parallel in the X-axis direction (where tilting in a minusdirection about the Y-axis, display is made such that the game charactermoves parallel in an X-axis minus direction). By thus processing a tiltinput, it is possible to provide a player with a feeling as if a mazeplate, as a game space, was being tilted in a likewise manner as theportable game apparatus, and the game character was sliding (rolling)over the tilted maze plate. Incidentally, the game map includes lands,such as a floor surface, an ice surface and underwater areas. Theselands vary the amount of the ball's movement so that the amount isvaried by a tilt input in a manner dependent upon a place where the gamecharacter is present. For example, the magnitude of control of the ball61 is changed in such a way that the movement amount is great on an icesurface so that it is easy to slide, whereas the movement amount issmall at underwater area.

FIG. 15 shows a way to utilize impact input or Z-axis movement input.When an impact input is applied in the X-axis or Y-axis direction, adifferent process is performed from the tilt input process (gamecharacter movement due to tilting the maze plate). For example, wavesare caused in a water surface of the game space. When an impact input isapplied in the X-axis plus direction, waves are caused in the X-axisplus direction. When an impact input is applied in an X-axis minusdirection, waves are caused in the X-axis minus direction. This is truefor an impact input in a Y-axis direction. Meanwhile, waves may becaused in a direction of a resultant vector of vector components,wherein an acceleration input in the X-axis direction is taken as avector component in the X-axis direction while an acceleration input inthe Y-axis direction is taken as a vector component in the Y-axisdirection. The character is displayed as if it was carried away by thewaves. The character may be put out of control while it is being carriedby the waves. Also, when there is an input of movement in the Z-axisdirection (or impact input), the ball 61, as one example of a playercharacter, changes in its display so that it appears that the ball 61makes a jump. By thus processing the movement input in the Z-axisdirection, the maze plate as a game space moves in the Z-axis directionin a way similar to the portable game machine. This can provide theplayer with a feeling as if the game character on the maze plate wascaused to jump. During the jump, the ball 61 will not move even if thereis a tilt input. Also, when there is a movement input (or impact input)in the Z-axis direction, the tortoise 62 as NPC is turned upside down (atortoise upside down returns to the normal position). The tortoise in anupside-down position is easy to slide, so that the movement process ismade to give a greater tilt-input moving amount than if the tortoise wasin the normal position.

FIG. 16 is a memory map of the program ROM 34. The program ROM 34 storesa game program and game data to be executed by the CPU 21. The programROM 34 includes an object character data memory area 34 a, a map datamemory area 34 b, an acceleration-sensor output value conversion tablememory area 34 c and a game program memory area 34 e. The objectcharacter data memory area 34 a stores graphic data of the objectcharacters. Because the object character has some poses (e.g. tortoise“normal position” and tortoise “upside-down position”, etc.), for eachcharacter a plurality of respective sets of graphic data are stored fora plurality of poses. The map data memory area 34 b stores map data on agame map basis and game-map-select maps. The game-map select map isvirtual map data to be displayed on the LCD 12 during a game map selectprocess hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 30.

The acceleration-sensor output value conversion table memory area 34 cstores conversion tables to convert output values of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32, for utilization ina game program. The conversion tables includes a game map select table,a player character moving table and an NPC moving table. The playercharacter moving table includes tables for in-air, on-floor, on-ice andunderwater, which are to be selected depending upon a land coordinatewhere a player character is present. The NPC moving table includestables for normal position and upside-down position. The tortoise as NPCassumes states of normal and backside-down positions, depending uponwhich a table is to be selected. The details of the tables will behereinafter described with reference to FIG. 20 to FIG. 26.

The game program memory area 34 e stores various game programs to beexecuted by the CPU 21. Specifically, stored in the game program memoryarea 34 e are the following: a main program hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 27, a 0G set program hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 28, a neutral-position set program hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 29, a game map select programhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 30, a sensor output readprogram hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 31, an objectmoving program hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 32 to FIG.36, a collision program hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 37,a screen scrolling program hereinafter described with reference to FIG.40, an NPC self-controlled movement program and other programs.

FIG. 17 is a memory map of the work RAM 26. The work RAM 26 storestemporary data for executing a game program by the CPU 21. Specifically,the following memory areas are included in the work RAM 26: a neutralposition data memory area 26 a, an acceleration sensor memory area 26 b,an impact input flag memory area 26 c, a map select screen cameracoordinate memory area 26 e, a game map number memory area 26 f and acharacter data memory area 26 g.

The neutral position data memory area 26 a stores neutral position data(NPx, NPy, NPz) to be set in a neutral-position set process hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 29. This data concerns a reference tiltof the portable game apparatus for playing a game.

The acceleration-sensor output value memory area 26 b stores outputvalues (INx, INy, INz) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axiscontact switch 32 which are detected by the acceleration sensor 31 andcontact switch 32, respectively, and are read out through the sensorinterface 33 in a sensor output read process of FIG. 31. The impactinput flag memory area 26 c stores an impact input flag (FS) thatassumes a value of 1 when the magnitude of resultant vector of a vectorcomponent in the X-axis direction taken of an acceleration input in theX-axis direction and a vector component in the Y-axis direction taken ofan acceleration input in the Y-axis direction is equal to or greaterthan a constant value. The determination of an impact input is executedin a sensor output read process of FIG. 31.

The map select screen camera coordinate memory area 26 e storescoordinates (Cx, Cy) at upper left corner of an LCD 12 display area in agame map select map which is to be displayed in a game map selectprocess hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 30. The game mapnumber memory area 26 f stores corresponding number data (MN) to a gamemap that is selected by a player during a game map select processhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 30.

The character data memory area 26 g stores, for each of the playercharacters and NPCs, moving acceleration data (Ax, Ay, Az),moving-acceleration change amount data (dAx, dAy, dAz), velocity data(Vx, Vy, Vz), coordinate data (X, Y, Z), last-time coordinate data (Px,Py, Pz), current position status (SP) and pose numbers (PN).

The last time coordinate data (Px, Py, Pz) returns a player character orNPC to its last-time coordinates when it collided with a wall or thelike. The current-position status data (SP) concerns a land at acoordinate where the player character is present. Based on this data, anacceleration-sensor output value conversion table (in-air, on-floor,on-ice, underwater) is to be selected. The pose number (PN) is dataconcerning a character state (pose) (e.g. tortoise normal andupside-down positions, etc.).

FIG. 18 is a memory map of the display RAM 25. The display RAM 25temporarily stores display data obtained through the execution of a gameprogram by the CPU 21. The display RAM 25 has an object data memory area25 a, a scroll counter data memory area 25 b and a map data memory area25 c. The object data memory area 25 a stores data of the existingcharacters in the LCD 12 display area among all the characters to appearin a game. Specifically, stored area X-coordinates, Y-coordinates,character IDs, and pose numbers.

The scroll counter data memory area 25 b stores a relative coordinate ofan upper left corner of the LCD 12 display area of the game. The mapdata memory area 25 c stores game map data of the game map in an area tobe displayed on the LCD 12.

FIG. 19 is a memory map of the backup RAM 35. The backup RAM 35 stores0G position data (ZGx, ZGy) to be set in a 0G set process hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 38. The 0G position data copes with nothaving a sensor output value of 0 because of the error possessed by theXY-axis acceleration sensor even when the portable game apparatus isheld horizontal. A sensor output value when the portable game apparatusis held horizontal is stored as 0G position data in the backup RAM 35,which in the game process, is subtracted from a sensor output value.

FIG. 20 to FIG. 26 illustrate in detail conversion tables stored in theacceleration-sensor output value conversion table memory area 34 c ofthe program ROM 34. The conversion tables store data, concerningutilization methods and correction of limiting maximum values, etc., forutilizing sensor output values (INx, INy, INz) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 and impact inputflag (FS) in game processing. Specifically, data is stored concerningutilization methods, correction ratio, special correction conditions andspecial correction numbers. The tables are stored in plurality,including a game-map select process table, player-character moving tableand an NPC moving table.

The game map select processing table shown in FIG. 20 is made withreference to a game map select process hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 30. The output values (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor of this table are utilized for calculating cameracoordinates (Cx, Cy) change amount. Incidentally, because the correctionratio is wise, the camera coordinates (Cx, Cy) will be moved twice theoutput value (INx, INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31. Theoutput value (INz) of the Z-axis contact switch 32 is utilized for a mapdecision determining process. The impact input flag (FS) is notutilized.

The player character moving table shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 24 is made inreference to a tilt movement process to be executed at step S33, and inan impact movement process to be executed in step S33 in a playercharacter moving process hereinafter described with reference to FIG.33. The player character moving table includes tables for in-air,on-floor, on-ice and underwater conditions. Any one of the conversiontables can be selected and referred to in accordance with a coordinatetopology where the player character is present (current positionstatus).

In the player character moving table, the output value X (INx) of theXY-axis acceleration sensor 31 is utilized for calculating a changeamount (dAx) of an X-movement acceleration of a player character whilethe output value Y (INy) is utilized for calculating a change amount(dAy) of an Y-movement acceleration. In the case the current positionstatus is “in-air”, the moving-acceleration change amount (dAx, dAy) iszero by referring to FIG. 21. For the case of “on-floor”, because thecorrection ratio if referred to FIG. 22 is twice, twice the outputvalues (INx, INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 gives a changeamount (dAx, dAy) of moving acceleration. Also, where the output values(INx, INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor is greater than 20 due toparticular correction condition 1, the moving-acceleration change amount(dAx, dAy) is limited to “40”. For an “on-ice” condition, by referringto FIG. 23, three times the output values (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 gives a change amount (dAx, dAy) (i.e., greatermoving amount results for “on-ice” status). Meanwhile, where the outputvalues (INx, INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor is greater than“20” due to particular correction condition 1, the moving-accelerationchange amount (dAx, dAy) is limited to “60”. For an “underwater”condition, by referring to FIG. 24, a half of the output values (INx,INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 gives a moving-accelerationchange amount (dAx, dAy) (i.e., a smaller moving amount results in a “inwater” status). Also, where the output values (INx, INy) of theacceleration sensor 31 is greater than “10” due to a particularcorrection condition 1, the change amount (dAx, dAy) is limited to “5”.

In the player character moving tables, the output value (INz) of theZ-axis contact switch 32 is utilized to calculate a change amount (dAz)of Z-movement acceleration.

There is no special correction condition.

In the player-character moving table, an impact input flag (FS) has aneffect upon X and Y moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy). Ifthe present position status is “in-air” and “underwater”, the impactinput flag (FS) is ignored by referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 24. Wherethe present position status is “on-floor”, with reference to FIG. 22,processing is made to multiply by 3 times the X and Ymoving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy). Where the currentposition status is “on-ice”, with reference to FIG. 23, processing ismade to multiply by 5 times the X and Y moving-acceleration changeamounts (dAx, dAy). In this manner, when there is an impact input, forthe “on-floor” and “on-ice” statuses, the X and Y moving-accelerationchange amounts (dAx, dAy) are increased (moved at higher speed) ascompared to the usual.

The NPC moving tables of FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 are to be referred to in atilt movement process in step S44 and impact moving process in step S45of an NPC moving process hereinafter described with reference to FIG.34. The NPC moving tables include tables for normal and upside-downpositions. Any one of the two conversion tables is selected and referredto depending upon a pose (normal or upside-down) of a tortoise as NPC.

In the NPC moving table, an output value X (INx) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 is utilized to calculate a change amount (dAx) ofan NPC X movement acceleration while an output value Y (INy) is utilizedto calculate a change amount (dAy) of a Y movement acceleration. For the“normal position”, because with reference to FIG. 25, the correctionratio is 1/2 times, 1/2 times an output value (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 gives an X-and-Y moving-acceleration changeamount (dAx, dAy). Also, where the output values (INx, INy) of theXY-axis acceleration sensor 31 are smaller than 10 under specialcorrection condition 1, the moving-acceleration change amount (dAx, dAy)is 0 (in the “normal position”, with a small tilt the tortoise willbrace its legs and not slide). Also, where the output values (INx, INy)of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 are greater than 20 under specialcorrection condition 2, the moving-acceleration change amount (dAx, dAy)is limited to 10. For the “upside-down position”, with reference to FIG.26, two times the output values (INx, INy) of the XY-axis accelerationsensor 31 gives an X-and-Y moving-acceleration change amount (dAx, dAy)(moving amount greater because the tortoise “backside-down” easilyslides as compared to a “normal” position). Also, where the output value(INx, INy) of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 is greater than 20under special correction condition 1, the moving-acceleration changeamount (dAx, dAy) is limited to 40.

In the NPC moving tables, the output value (INz) of the Z-axis contactswitch 32 is utilized to determine tortoise inversion to a normal orinverted position. Each time the output value of contact switch 32becomes “1”, the tortoise turns to a normal or inverted state in arepetitive manner. The impact input flag (FS) is not utilized for theNPC movement process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a main routine. If a cartridge 30 is loadedonto the game machine main body 10 and the power switch of the gamemachine main body 10 is turned on, the CPU 21 starts to process the mainroutine of FIG. 33. First, in step S11 it is determined whether it is afirst starting or not, or whether a player requested for a 0G setting(e.g. whether started while pressing the operation key 13 b of FIG. 1)or not. If there was no first starting and there was no 0G set request,the process advances to step S13. Meanwhile, when there was a firststarting or a 0G set request, a 0G set process hereinafter describedwith reference to FIG. 28 is made in step S12 and then the processproceeds to step S14. In the step S14, a neutral-position set processhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 29 is made and then theprocess advances to step S17. Here, the neutral-position setting ismeant to set a reference tilt of the portable game apparatus for playinga game. The recommended position setting is meant to set a neutralposition based on data wherein the data is concerned with a properneutral position in accordance with a game content (the recommendedposition sight target coordinate 34d of the program ROM 34) that havebeen previously stored in a game program.

In step S17, a game map select process hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 30 is performed so that one of a plurality of gamemaps is selected by the player. After the step S17, the process advancesto a main loop.

The main loop is a process of from step S19 to step S29, which isrepeatedly executed until game over or game clear is reached. In stepS19, required data is written to the display RAM 25 based on coordinates(X, Y, Z) and pose number (PN) of the character data 26 g of the workRAM 26, object character data 34 a of the program ROM 34 and map data 34b. Based on the data stored in the display RAM, a game scene isdisplayed on the LCD 12. In step S20, a sensor output read processhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 31 is performed. The outputvalues of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch32 are read out through the sensor interface 33 and then corrected.After the step S20, in step S21 it is determined whether there was aneutral-position set request or not. If there was no request, theprocess advances to step S23 while if there was a request, the processproceeds to step S22 to perform a neutral-position set process. Afterresetting a neutral position, the process returns to step S19. Thismeans that one operation switch (e.g. operation switch 13 e shown inFIG. 1) is assigned to an exclusive operation switch forneutral-position setting so that neutral-position setting can be made atany time by pressing the operation switch 13 e even during the playing agame.

In step S23, it is determined whether the impact input flag is ON ornot. If the impact input flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S26while if the flag is ON, the process advances to step S24 to determinewhether the topology of current coordinate that the player character ispresent is underwater or not (determined based on a current positionstatus). If the topology determined is not underwater, the processadvances to step S26, while if the topology is determined to beunderwater, the process advances to step S25 to perform a wave producingprocess (display is as shown in the middle portion in FIG. 15).Specifically, processing is made to cause waves in a direction and witha magnitude depending on a resultant vector. The resultant vector isgiven by a vector component in the X-axis direction taken from a sensoroutput value X (INx) and a vector component in the Y-axis direction istaken from a sensor output value Y (INy). The player can have a feelingas if the impact applied by him or her to the portable game apparatuswas reflected in an environment (water) of the game space. After stepS25, the process proceeds to step S26.

In the step S26, each-character moving process hereinafter describedwith reference to FIG. 32 to FIG. 35 is performed thereby executing aprocess of moving the player character and NPC. After the step S27, acollision process hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 37 isperformed thereby executing a process of colliding the player characterwith NPC, etc. After the step S27, a screen scroll process (step S29)hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 40 is performed.

FIG. 28 shows a subroutine flowchart for a 0G set process. Thissubroutine performs a process to store 0G position data in the backupRAM 35 as an output value of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 when theportable game apparatus (specifically, the LCD 12 display surface) isheld horizontal.

In step S121, “POSITION HORIZONTAL TO GROUND AND PRESS OPERATION SWITCH”is displayed on the LCD 12, requesting the player to hold the portablegame apparatus (specifically, the LCD 12 display surface) in ahorizontal state. In step S122, an operation switch input process isperformed. In step S123, if the depression of an operation switch (e.g.operation switch 13 b of FIG. 1) for determination is detected, it isthen determined in step S124 whether the Z-axis contact switch 32 is ONor not. When the Z-axis contact switch 32 is ON, an alert sound isgenerated in step S125 and the process returns to step S121. This isbecause, where the Z-axis contact switch is ON, the LCD 12 in itsdisplay surface is directed downward and the player is requested toperform the setting again. In step S124, where the Z-axis contact switchis determined as being OFF, then in step S126 the output value of theXY-axis acceleration sensor 31 at this time is stored as 0G positiondata in the backup RAM 35.

FIG. 29 is a subroutine flowchart for a neutral-position set process.This subroutine performs the process in which the player arbitrarilydetermines a holding angle in a portable game apparatus that is easy toplay the game. The output value of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31and Z-axis contact switch 32 at that time are stored as neutral positiondata in the work RAM 26.

In step S141, “POSITION AT ANGLE EASY TO PLAY AND PRESS OPERATIONSWITCH” is displayed on the LCD 12. In step S142, an operation switchinput process is made. In step S143, if the depression of an operationswitch (e.g. operation switch 13 b of FIG. 1) is determined, then instep S144 correction is performed by subtracting 0G position data froman output value of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 at this time (theneutral position data is rendered as data corresponding to a tilt withrespect to the horizontal state). Then, in step S145 a correction valueof the output of the XY-axis acceleration sensor (calculation result ofstep S144) and an output value of the Z-axis contact switch 32 arestored as neutral position data to the neutral position data memory area26 a of the work RAM 26.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a game map select process. In this subroutine,the player selects any one of a plurality of game maps stored in thegame program. The screen of game map select process is displayed, forexample, as shown in FIG. 13 mentioned before. On the LCD 12, one areaof a game-map select map is displayed. The player makes a slide input inthe X-axis or Y-axis direction to move the display area on the LCD 12thereby displaying map icons (A, B, C, D in FIG. 16) within the displayarea. Then, a movement is inputted in the Z-axis direction. This resultsin selection of a game course corresponding to a course icon beingdisplayed on the LCD 12 upon inputting the movement (or impact) in theZ-axis direction.

First, in step S171 a camera coordinate (Cx, Cy) is initialized. Then,in step S172 one area of the game-map select map is displayed on the LCD12 based on the camera coordinates (Cx, Cy). In step S173, a sensoroutput read process hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 31 ismade. As a result, the output values of the XY-axis acceleration sensor31 and Y-axis contact switch 32 are read out and corrected. In stepS174, a table shown in FIG. 26 is referred to. Specifically, the cameracoordinates (Cx, Cy) are changed based on the sensor output values (INx,INy). Specifically, because the correction ratio is twice (2 times), thecamera coordinates (Cx, Cy) are varied by an amount twice the sensoroutput values (INx, INy). For example, when the sensor output value(INx) is 5, the camera coordinate (Cx) is rendered as +10. In step S175,it is determined whether the display area based on the cameracoordinates (Cx, Cy) is outside a range of the game map select map ornot. If not outside the range, the process advances to step S177, whileif inside the range the process proceeds to step S176. In step S176,correction is made so as to display an end area of the game-map selectmap and then the process proceeds to step S177. In the step S177, it isdetermined whether the Z-axis contact switch 32 is ON or not. If thecontact switch 32 is determined as being OFF, the process returns tostep S172. If the Z-axis contact switch 32 is determined as being ON,then if is determined in step S178 whether any one of the map icons (A,B, C, D in FIG. 16) is displayed in the display range of the LCD 12 ornot. If it is determined that no map icon is displayed within thedisplay range, then in step S179, an alert sound is generated and theprocess returned to step S172. If it is determined that a map icon isdisplayed within the display range, then in step S181, a correspondinggame map number (MN) to the map icon being displayed is stored in thework RAM 26.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart for a sensor output read process. In thissubroutine, the output values of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 andZ-axis contact switch 32 are read out and corrected. Specifically, fromthe data of the latch 334 and latch 335 of the sensor interface 33 areread output values (INx, INy) of the acceleration sensor and an outputvalue (INz) of the Z-axis contact switch 32. Furthermore, a correctionprocess is made based on 0G position data and neutral position data.

In step S201, data is read out of the latch 334 and latch 335. In stepS202, acceleration-sensor output values (INx, INy) and Z-axis contactswitch output value (INz) are read from the latch data, and stored inthe acceleration-sensor output value memory area 26 b of the work RAM26. In step S203, it is determined whether there was an impact input ornot. Specifically, it is determined whether a magnitude of a resultantvector having vector component in the X-axis direction taken of theacceleration sensor 31 output value X (INx) and a vector component inthe Y-axis direction taken of the acceleration sensor 31 output value Y(INy) is equal to or greater than a given value. If the resultantmagnitude is equal to or greater than the given value, then in stepS204, the impact input flag (FS) is set “ON” and the process advances tostep S206. If the resultant vector magnitude is determined to be smallerthan the given value, then in step S205, the impact input flag (FS) isset “OFF” and the process advances to step S206. In step S202,processing is made to subtract the 0G position data stored in the backupRAM 35 from the data of the acceleration-sensor output value memory area26 b. In step S207, the value further corrected with the neutralposition data is stored as INx, INy and INz in the acceleration-sensoroutput memory area 26 b.

The correction with the neutral position data is performed,specifically, on the output value X (INx) and output value Y (INy) ofthe acceleration sensor by subtracting the values of the neutralposition data (NPx, NPy). For the output value (INz) of the Z-axiscontact switch 32, when the value of neutral position data (NPz) is “1”,processing is made to invert the “0” and “1”.

FIG. 32 to FIG. 36 are flowcharts for an object moving process. FIG. 32is an object moving process main routine flowchart. In step S261, aplayer-character moving process is performed that is hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 33. In step S262, an NPC moving processis performed that is hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 34.The NPC moving process is repeated by the number of NPCs.

FIG. 33 is a player-character moving process flowchart. In step S31,present coordinates (X, Y, Z) of the player character are stored as acopy of last-time coordinates (Px, Py, Pz). This is required to returnthe player character that collided with a wall to last-time coordinates,in a collision process hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 37.In step S32, moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy, dAz) areinitialized, and then in step S33 a tilt movement process is performed.In the tilt movement process, reference is made to proper one of theconversion tables shown in FIG. 21 to FIG. 24 depending upon a presentposition status of the player character, to make processing ofcalculating an X-and-Y moving-acceleration change amount of the playercharacter. This processing determines moving-acceleration change amounts(dAx, dAy) such that the player character is rolled (slid) responsive toa tilt (tilt input) of the portable game apparatus. Furthermore, in stepS34, an impact moving process is performed. In the impact movingprocess, reference is made to proper one of the conversion tables ofFIG. 21 to FIG. 24, to execute processing to increase X-and-Y changeamounts of the player character. This process increasesmoving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy) such that the playercharacter makes a dash (moves at higher speed) when applying an impactinput. In step S35, a jump moving process is made that is hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 35. After the step S35, it isdetermined in step S36 whether a wave generation process in step S25 ofthe flowchart of FIG. 27 is to be executed or not. If wave generation isnot determined, the process advances to step S38. If wave generation isdetermined, in step S37, a wave moving process hereinafter describedwith reference to FIG. 36 is made, and then the process proceeds to stepS38. In the step S38, a moving acceleration (Ax, Ay, Az) is calculatedbased on the moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy, dAz)calculated in the tilt moving process, impact moving process, jumpprocess and wave moving process of the steps S33 to S37, and a velocity(Vx, Vy, Vz) is calculated based on the moving acceleration (Ax, Ay,Az). In step S39, coordinates (X, Y, Z) are calculated based on thevelocity (Vx, Vy, Vz).

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an NPC movement process. In step S41, currentcoordinates (X, Y, Z) are stored by copying the last-time coordinates(Px, Py, Pz). In step S42, the moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx,dAy, dAz) are initialized. In step S43, an NPC self-controlled movementprocess is executed based on the game program. Specifically,moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy, dAz), e.g. for a tortoise,is determined based on a random number value. After the step S43, instep S44, a tilt movement process is executed. In the tilt movementprocess, NPC X-and-Y moving-acceleration change amounts are calculatedby referring to an appropriate one of the conversion tables shown inFIG. 25 or FIG. 26 according to an NPC pose number. Furthermore, in stepS45 an impact moving process is made. However, in the presentembodiment, the NPC will not be affected by impact input. In step S46,it is determined whether a wave producing process has been made in stepS25 of the flowchart of FIG. 25 or not. If no wave production isdetermined, the process advances to step S48. If waves have beenproduced is determined, then in step S47 a wave movement processhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 36 is executed and then theprocess advances to step S48.

In step S48, a moving acceleration (Ax, Ay, Az) is calculated based onthe moving-acceleration change amounts (dAx, dAy, dAz) determined by theself-controlled movement process, tilt movement process, impact movementprocess and wave movement process of steps S43 to S47. Furthermore, avelocity (Vx, Vy, Vz) is calculated based on the movement acceleration(Ax, Ay, Az). In step S49, a coordinate position (X, Y, Z) is calculatedbased on the velocity (Vx, Vy, Vz). In step S51, it is determinedwhether an output value (INz) of the Z-axis contact switch is “1” ornot. If the Z-axis contact switch output value (INz) is “0”, the NPCmovement process subroutine is ended. Where the Z-axis contact switchoutput value (INz) is “1”, an inversion process to a normal orupside-down position is executed in step S52. Specifically, a posenumber (PN) of the character data in the work RAM 26 is changed.

FIG. 35 shows a flowchart of a jump process. In this subroutine, whenthere is a movement input in the Z-axis direction, processing is made tocause the player character to jump. Also, when there is no movementinput in the Z-axis direction in a state the player character is in astate of air, processing is made to lower the player character.

In step S351, it is determined whether the output value (INz) of theZ-axis contact switch 32 is 1 or not. When the output value (INz) ofcontact switch 32 is “1”, the current position status (PS) is set as“in-air” in step S52. Thereafter in step S353, the Z moving-accelerationchange amount (dAz) is rendered “1”. When the output value (INz) of theZ-axis contact switch 32 is “0” in the step S351, it is determined instep S354 whether the player character is “in-air” or not. When not“in-air”, the jump process is ended. Where “in-air” in the step S354,the Z moving-acceleration change amount (dAz) is rendered “−1” in stepS355 and then the jump process is ended.

FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of a wave movement process. In thissubroutine, processing is made to calculate a moving-acceleration changeamount due to the waves produced due to an impact input by the player.In step S361, a current position status is read in. In step S362, it isdetermined whether the current position status is in a position toundergo an affection of waves or not (i.e. is the current position“underwater” or not). If the current position is determined as aposition free from an affection of waves, the wave movement process isended. If the current position is determined as a position to undergo anaffection of waves, then in step S363 respective X and Ymoving-acceleration change amounts due to an affection of waves arecalculated and added to the X and Y moving-acceleration change amountscalculated by the tilt movement process and impact movement process.

FIG. 37 shows a flowchart of a collision process. In steps S271 to S275,an NPC collision determination process is performed. The NPC collisiondetermination process is repeated to the number of NPCs. In step S271,it is determined whether an NPC has collided with a wall or not. If itis determined that an NPC has collided with a wall, the process proceedsto step S273. If no collision is determined, the process advances tostep S272 wherein it is determined whether there has been a collisionwith another NPC or not. If it is determined that an NPC has collidedwith another NPC, the process advances to step S272. If it is determinedthat the NPC has not collided with another NPC, the process proceeds tostep S273. Where a collision with a wall or another NPC has beendetermined, then in step S273 an impact sound is generated, and then instep S274 the NPC coordinates (X, Y, Z) are returned to the last-timecoordinates (Px, Py, Pz), and the process advances to the step S275.

In step S275, a current position status of NPC is detected and stored inthe work RAM 26. After step S275, it is determined in step S276 whetherthe player character has collided with a wall or not. If no collisionagainst wall is determined, the process proceeds to step S279. If acollision with a wall is determined, then in step S277 an impact soundis generated, and then in step S278 the player character coordinates (X,Y, Z) are returned to the last-time coordinates (Px, Py, Pz), and theprocess advances to step S279.

In step S279, a current position status of the player character isdetected and stored in the work RAM 26. After step S279, it isdetermined in step S281 whether the player character has collided withan NPC or not. If a collision against an NPC is determined, a process ismade in step S282 to vanish the NPC. After step S282, it is determinedin step S283 whether all the NPCs have been vanished or not. If adetermination is made that all the NPCs have vanished, a game clearprocess is executed in step S284. When a determination is made that nocollision with an NPC has occurred in step S281 or when a determinationis made that all the NPCs have not vanished in step S283, the processproceeds to step S285. In step S285, it is determined whether the playercharacter has fallen in a hole or not. If it is determined that theplayer character has fallen in a hole, a game over process is effectedin step S286. Where it is determined that the player character has notfallen in a hole, the impact process is ended.

FIGS. 38 and 39 each show one example of a scene showing on-screenscroll. In the scene, a ball as a player character, tortoises 62 a-62 cas NPC, and a wall 63 and hole 64 forming a maze are displayed. Thedotted lines 65 show a limit of screen scroll (actually, the dottedlines 65 will not be displayed on the LCD 12). As discussed above, thegame map is a virtual map that is broader than the LCD 12 display area.On the LCD 12 is displayed part of a game map around the playercharacter 61. When the player tilts the portable game apparatus and theplayer character 61 is moving to an outer area of the dotted lines 65,the scene is scrolled moving the game-map display area over the LCD 12.Furthermore, the player character 61 and NPC 62 are moved to anddisplayed in a position toward a center of a scene by a correspondingamount of scrolling. In this manner, screen scrolling makes game playpossible with a broader game map. For example, if the player characteris going beyond the dotted line 65 to a left side area as shown in FIG.38, the game map area in display is scrolled to left so that the playercharacter 61 and NPC can be moved to and displayed in a position by acorresponding amount of scrolling (FIG. 39). The scroll rate may bechanged depending upon a magnitude of tilt input.

FIG. 40 shows a flowchart of a screen scroll process. In step S291, itis determined whether the player character is out of a scroll area in anX-axis minus (i.e., negative) direction or not. Here, the scroll arearefers to an area as surrounded by the dotted lines 65 shown in FIG. 38.If it is determined that a player character is not out of the area withrespect to the X-axis minus direction, the process advances to stepS294. If it is determined that a player character is out of the area inthe X-axis minus direction, it is then determined in step S292 whetherthe current display area on the LCD 12 is a left end area of the gamemap or not. If the display area is determined as a left end area, theprocess advances to step S294. If the display area is not determined asa left end area, then in step S293 a scroll counter X coordinate (SCx)stored in the display RAM 25 is decreased by a given amount and then theprocess proceeds to step S294. In step S294, it is determined whetherthe player character is out of the scroll area with respect to theX-axis plus (i.e., positive) direction or not. When it is determinedthat the player character is not out of the area in the X-axis plusdirection, the process advances to step S297. When it is determined thatthe player character is out of the area in the X-axis plus direction, itis determined in step S295 whether the current display area on the LCD12 is a right end area of the game map or not. If the current displayarea is determined as a right end area, the process advances to stepS297. When the current display area is not determined as a right endarea, in step S296 the scroll counter X coordinate (SCx) is increased bya given amount and then the process proceeds to step S297.

In step S297, it is determined whether the player character is out ofthe scroll area in a Y-axis minus (i.e., negative) direction or not. Ifthe player character is determined as not being out of the area in theY-axis minus direction, the process advances to step S301. When theplayer character is determined as being out of the area in the Y-axisminus direction, it is determined in step S298 whether the currentdisplay area on the LCD 12 is an upper end area of the game map or not.If the current display is determined as an upper end area, the processproceeds to step S301. When the current display is not determined as anupper end area, in step S299 a scroll counter Y coordinate (SCy) isdecreased by a given amount and then the process proceeds to step S301.In step S301, it is determined whether the player character is out ofthe scroll area in a Y-axis plus direction or not. When the playercharacter is not determined as being out of the area in the Y-axis plusdirection, the screen scroll process is ended. When the player characteris determined as being out of the area in the Y-axis plus direction, itis determined in step S302 whether the current display area on the LCD12 is an lower end area of the game map. When the current display isdetermined as being a lower end area, the screen scroll process isended. When the current display is determined as not being a lower endarea, in step S303 the scroll counter Y coordinate (SCy) is decreased bya given amount and then the screen scroll process is ended.

Second Embodiment

Next, a portable game apparatus according to a second present exampleembodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 41 to FIG. 49. Thesecond embodiment has the same external view, XY-axis definitiondiagram, block diagram, sensor-interface measurement principle diagramand Z-axis contact switch structural view as FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 of thefirst embodiment. Hence, detailed explanations are omitted.

FIG. 41 illustrates an example of a game scene in the presentembodiment. In this game, a player can give impact to the portable gameapparatus to cause an upheaval in a game-space land, thereby enjoyingthe game while controlling the movement of a game character.

As shown in FIG. 41( a), a game-character tortoise 81 and aland-upheaval character 82 are displayed in the game scene. As shown inFIG. 41( b), the tortoise 81 is moved in a self-controlled manneraccording to a game program. In a state shown in FIG. 41( b), when animpact input is given in the Z-axis direction to the portable gameapparatus, the land-upheaval character 82 is displayed higher andgreater with upheaval, as shown in FIG. 41( c). This controls thetortoise 81 to slide (tortoise 82 in advancing retracts due to landupheaval). It is thus possible to provide the player with a feeling asif the game-space land receives energy and is upheaved when an impact isapplied in the Z-axis direction to the portable game apparatus.

FIG. 42 is one example of a game scene illustrating a land-upheavalprocess due to an impact input in the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 42( a),an outer frame 12′ designates a whole game space and an inner frame 12 adisplay area to be displayed on the LCD 12. The game space is a worldgreater than a display area of the LCD 12. The LCD 12 displays a part ofthe game space. In the game space, there are twelve land-upheavalcharacters 82 (82 a-821) and three tortoise characters 81 (81 a-81 c).Among them, four land-upheaval characters (82 a, 82 b, 82 e, 82 f) andone tortoise character (82 a) are displayed on the LCD 12.

In a state shown in FIG. 42( a), if an impact input is applied in theZ-axis direction to the portable game apparatus, the twelveland-upheaval characters (82 a-821, the land-upheaval characters overthe entire game space) are raised by one step and displayed higher andgreater, as shown in FIG. 42( b). At this time, the tortoise characters(81 a and 81 b) existing at land upheaval are displayed as sliding dueto the upheaval of land.

In a state shown in FIG. 42( b), when an impact input is applied in theZ-axis direction while operating the button A (operation switch 13 b),only the four land-upheaval characters (82 a, 82 b, 82 e, 82 f) beingdisplayed on the LCD 12 are further raised by one step and displayedhigher and greater. Also in this case, the tortoise character (81 a)existing at land upheaval is displayed sliding due to the land upheaval.When applying an impact input in the Z-axis direction while pressing thebutton A, it is thus possible to provide the player with a feeling as ifenergy due to the impact was given to the game space limited to the areabeing displayed on the LCD 12.

Incidentally, although not shown, if in the state shown in FIG. 42( b),an impact input is given in the Z-axis direction while operating thebutton B (operation switch 13 c), only the eight land-upheavalcharacters (82 c, 82 d, 82 g, 82 h, 82 i-82 l) not being displayed onthe LCD 12 are raised by one step and displayed higher and greater. Alsoin this case, the tortoise characters (81 b, 81 c) existing at the landupheaval are displayed as sliding due to the land upheaval. Where animpact input is given in the Z-axis direction while pressing the buttonB, it is thus possible to provide the player with a feeling as if energydue to impact was supplied to the game space limited to the area notbeing displayed on the LCD 12.

FIG. 43 is one example of a game scene illustrating a scroll process fora game space on display. The game space on display is to be scrolled bygiving a slide-input to the portable game apparatus (see FIG. 9 in thefirst embodiment). For example, in FIG. 43( a) land-upheaval characters82 a, 82 b, 82 e, 82 f and tortoise character 81 a are displayed on theLCD 12. In this state, when the portable game apparatus is slid in aY-axis minus (i.e., negative) direction, the game space on display isscrolled down, resulting in display of land characters 82 e, 82 f andtortoise character 81 a as shown in FIG. 43( b).

Also, in a state shown in FIG. 43( b), when the portable game apparatusis slid in an X-axis plus (i.e., positive) direction, the game space ondisplay is scrolled right, to provide display with a land character 82 fand tortoise character 81 a. It is thus possible for the player to enjoya game with a game space greater than the LCD 12. Also, (because asdiscussed above) an effect (land upheaval) can be given to the gamespace limited to an inside or outside of the area of display by the useof the button A or button B, respectively, the player can enjoy acomplex game.

FIG. 44 illustrates control of scenes with a temperature increase causedby impact input in XY-axis directions. Although the tortoise characters81 a-81 c moves in a self-controlled fashion according to the gameprogram as stated before, this self-controlled movement becomes moreactive as the temperature increases (specifically, moving amountincreases). In a state shown in FIG. 44( a), when an impact input isapplied in the XY-axis direction (see FIG. 11 in the first embodiment),a parameter of temperature increases to provides display in which thetortoise characters 81 a-81 c are actively moving. It is thus possibleto provide the player with a feeling as if energy was supplied and thetemperature was increased in the game space upon giving an impact in theXY-axis direction to the portable game apparatus.

Hereunder, explanations will be made on the data stored on the memorywith reference to FIG. 45 and FIG. 46.

FIG. 45 is a memory map of the program ROM 34. The program ROM 34 storesa game program and game data to be executed by the CPU 21. The programROM 34, includes an object-character data memory area 342 a, a map-datamemory area 342 b, a land-upheaval-point data memory area 342 c, ascroll-limit value data memory area 342 d, an acceleration-sensor outputvalue conversion table memory area 342 e and a game program memory area342 f. The object-character data memory area 342 a and the map-datamemory area 342 b store object characters and game-map graphic data. Theland-upheaval-point data memory area 342 c stores position data (Xcoordinate and Y coordinate; Px1-Px12, Py1-Py12) in a game space foreach of the land upheaval characters (82 a-82 l) shown in FIG. 42. Thescroll-limit-value data memory area 342 d stores data representative ofscroll limit values (SCxmax, SCymax) in order not to allow scrolling atan up, down, left or right end of the game space when scrolling the gamespace.

The acceleration-sensor output value conversion table memory area 342 estores a conversion table to convert, and utilize in a game program,output values of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contactswitch 32. Specifically, data similar to that of the conversion tables(FIG. 20 to FIG. 26) of the first embodiment is stored. A sensor outputvalue X (INx) and sensor output value Y (INy) are defined to be utilizedin calculating a change amount of a scroll counter X coordinate (SCx)and Y coordinate (SCy) in a range-of-sight moving process hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 48. Due to this, by giving aslide-input to the portable game apparatus (see FIG. 9 in the firstembodiment), the game space on display is scrolled thereby makingprocessing to move the range of sight. Also, definition is made toutilize a Z-axis contact switch output value (INz) in a land upheavaldetermination. Definition is made to utilize an impact input flag (FS)in temperature rise determination.

The game program memory area 342 f stores a game program to be executedby the CPU 21. Specifically, the following are stored in a game programmemory area: a main program hereinafter described with reference to FIG.47, a sensor output read program similar to FIG. 31 of the firstembodiment, a range-of-sight moving (i.e., view movement) programhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 48, a land upheaval programhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 49, a temperature increaseprogram, a tortoise-character control program and other programs.

FIG. 46 is a memory map of the work RAM 26. The work RAM 26 storestemporary data for the CPU 21 to execute a game program. Specifically,the following memory areas are included in the RAM 26: anacceleration-sensor output value memory area 162 a, an impact input flagmemory area 262 b, a land-upheaval data memory area 262 c, a temperaturedata memory area 262 d and a character (e.g., tortoise) data memory area262 e.

The data stored in the acceleration-sensor output value memory area 262a and impact input flag memory area 262 b are similar to that of thefirst embodiment. Hence detailed explanations thereof are omitted. Theland-upheaval data memory area 262 c stores height data concerningrespective points of land upheaval. The height data is varied accordingto an impact input in the Z-axis direction in a land upheaval processhereinafter described with reference to FIG. 49. Based on this data, theland upheaval characters at respective land upheaval points aredetermined in the state of the display. For example, where the heightdata is 1, the land upheaval character is displayed as shown at 82 a inFIG. 42( a). Where the height data is 2, display is as shown at 82 a inFIG. 42( b). Where the height data is 3, display is as shown at 82 a inFIG. 42( c).

The temperature data memory area stores temperature data for the gamespace. The temperature data is varied according to an impact input inthe XY-axis direction, in a temperature increase process (in step S64 ofthe main program shown in FIG. 47). This data has an effect upon atortoise-character control process (self-control movement, in step S65of the main program shown in FIG. 47).

The character-data memory area 262 e stores coordinate data (X, Y, Z)and last-time coordinate data (Px, Py, Pz), of the tortoise characters.

The memory map of the display RAM is similar to that of FIG. 18 of thefirst embodiment. Hence, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted.

Hereunder, a process flow of a game program will be explained withreference to FIG. 47 to FIG. 49.

FIG. 47 is a main routine flowchart. When a cartridge 30 is insertedinto the portable game apparatus main body 10 and the power to theportable game apparatus main body 10 is turned on, a main routine asshown in FIG. 47 is started. In the second embodiment, a 0G positionprocess or neutral-position set process may be made similarly to thefirst embodiment. Hence, a detail explanation thereof is omitted for thesake of simplicity.

First, in step S61, a sensor output read process is performed similarlyto FIG. 31 of the first embodiment. This process reads output values ofthe XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 throughthe sensor interface 33 (corrections by 0G position data and neutralposition data is omitted). After the step S61, in step S62 arange-of-sight moving process (view movement scroll process of a gamespace on display) is made that is hereinafter described with referenceto FIG. 48. After the step S62, in step S63 a land upheaval process ismade that is hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 49. After thestep S63, in step S64 a temperature increase process is made. In thetemperature increase process, it is first determined whether there is animpact input in the XY-axis direction or not. If the presence of animpact input in the XY-axis direction is determined, processing is madeto increase a temperature parameter (T) by 1. After the step S64, instep S65 a tortoise-character control process is made. In thetortoise-character control process, a tortoise-character moving processis first made due to self-controlled movement. Specifically, processingis made to calculate a tortoise-character moving amount, e.g. usingrandom values. Incidentally, control is made such that theself-controlled movement of a tortoise character increases as the amountof the temperature (T) becomes higher. Thereafter, a tortoise-charactermoving process is made with land upheaval. Specifically, processing ismade to move the tortoise character in a sliding manner when a landunder the tortoise character is raised. Incidentally, thetortoise-character control process is repeated by the number of thetortoise characters.

After the step S65, in step S66 game-space scrolling as well as adisplay process for a land upheaval object and tortoise character aremade based on a result of the range-of-sight moving process,land-upheaval process and tortoise-character control process.Incidentally, where a land upheaval point is raised in height due to theland upheaval process, it would be effective to display the landupheaval character higher and greater together with generation of suchsound as imagining an upheaval of a land. After the step S66, it isdetermined in step S67 whether the game is over or not. For example, agame-over determination is to be made under a proper condition suitedfor a game content, including effecting a game over determination, e.g.when a predetermined time has elapsed. If a game over is determined inthe step S67, the main routine ends. If no game over is determined inthe step S67, the process returns to the step S61.

FIG. 48 is a range-of-sight moving process (view movement process)flowchart. First, in step S621 reference is made to a conversion tableto perform a process of changing a scroll-counter X coordinate (SCx) andY coordinate (SCy). After the step S621, it is determined in stepsS622-S629 whether a scroll is about to exceed an end of the game spaceor not. When the scroll is about to exceed a game-space end, processingis made to bring the scroll counter values (SCx, SCy) to proper values.

In step S622, it is determined whether the scroll-counter X coordinate(SCx) is in excess of a scroll limit value X coordinate (SCxmax) or not.If not in excess of it, the process advances to step S624. When inexcess of the limit is determined in step S622, the process proceeds tostep S623. After setting the scroll-counter X coordinate (SCx) value tothe scroll limit value X coordinate (SCxmax), the process advances tostep S624.

In step S624, it is determined whether the scroll-counter X coordinate(SCx) is smaller than 0 or not. If SCX is determined as being 0 orgreater, the process advances to step S626. Where SCX is determined asbeing smaller than 0 in the step S624, the process proceeds to step S625to set the scroll-counter X coordinate (SCx) value at 0, and then theprocess proceeds to step S626.

In step S626, it is determined whether the scroll-counter Y coordinate(SCy) is in excess of the scroll-limit-value Y coordinate (SCymax) ornot. If SCy is determined not in excess thereof, the process proceeds tostep S628. Where SCy is determined as being in excess of SCymax in thestep S626, the process advances to step S627 to set a Y coordinate (SCy)value to the scroll-limit-value Y coordinate (SCymax), and then theprocess advances to step S628.

In the step S628, it is determined whether the scroll-counter Ycoordinate (SCy) is smaller than 0 or not. If SCy is determined as being0 or greater, the range-of-sight moving process is ended. If SCy isdetermined as being smaller than 0 in the step S628, the processproceeds to step S629 to set the scroll-counter Y coordinate (SCy) valueat 0, and then the range-of-sight moving process ends.

FIG. 49 is a land-upheaval process flowchart. First, it is determined instep S631 whether there is an output of the Z-axis contact switch or not(i.e. whether there is an impact input in the Z-axis direction or not).Where it is determined that a Z-axis contact switch output is absent,the land-upheaval process ends. Where it is determined that a Z-axiscontact switch output is present, the process advances to step S632. Inthe step S632, it is determined whether the button A (operation switch13 b) is being pressed or not. Where it is determined that the button Ais being pressed, the process advances to step S633 to executeprocessing to increase by 1 the respective land-upheaval points in anarea being displayed on the LCD 12. After the step S633, theland-upheaval process is ended.

If it is determined in the step S632 that the button A is not beingpressed, the process proceeds to step S634 to determine whether thebutton B (operation switch 13 c) is being pressed or not. If it isdetermined that the button B is being pressed, the process proceeds tostep S635 to execute processing to increase by 1 the height (H) of theland upheaval points outside the area being displayed on the LCD 12.After the step S635, the land upheaval process ends. If it is determinedin the step S634 that the button B is not being depressed, in step S636all the land upheaval points in height (H) are increased by 1, and thenthe land upheaval process is ended.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third present example embodiment will be explained withreference to FIG. 50 to FIG. 59. One goal of this game is to enjoyvirtual cooking while moving the portable game apparatus as if it was afrypan or kitchen knife.

FIG. 50 to FIG. 53 shows examples of game scenes. In FIG. 50, thefollowing are displayed in the game scene: a player character 91, akitchen 92, a cooking stove 93, a frypan 94, a desk 95 and a choppingboard 96. When pressing the button A (operation switch 13 b), a frypanspace process is started that is hereinafter described with reference toFIG. 51 and FIG. 52. Also, when pressing the button B (operation switch13 c), a kitchen-knife space process is started that is hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 53.

FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 are examples of game scenes in the frypan spaceprocess. In the frypan space process, the portable game apparatus isoperated just like a frypan to play a game of cooking a fried egg. InFIG. 51( a), a frypan 94 and egg 97 is displayed in the game scene. In astate shown in FIG. 51( a), when the portable game apparatus is tiltedin a minus (i.e., negative) direction about the Y-axis, the egg 97 isdisplayed moving toward left of the frypan as shown in FIG. 51( b).Also, in a state shown in FIG. 51( b), when the portable game apparatusis tilted in the plus (i.e., positive) direction about the X-axis, theegg 97 is displayed moving toward the lower portion of the frypan. It isthus possible to provide the player with a feeling as if he or sheoperates the portable game apparatus just like a frypan to move the eggby tilting the frypan.

In a state shown in FIG. 52( a), when an impact input in the Z-axisdirection is applied to the portable game apparatus, the egg 97 isdisplayed jumping above the frypan 94 as shown in FIG. 52( b).Thereafter, the egg 97 is displayed landing as shown in FIG. 52( c) or(d). At this time, where the egg 97 at an impact input in the Z-axisdirection is positioned close to an end of the frypan 94 as shown inFIG. 52( a), the egg 97 jumps and lands out of the frypan 94 (FIG. 52(c)) thus resulting in a failure. Incidentally, in a state shown in FIG.52( b), it is possible to modify a relative positional relationshipbetween the egg 97 and the frypan 94 to land the egg 97 in the frypan 94by sliding the portable game apparatus (FIG. 52( d)). It is thuspossible to provide the player with a feeling as if the portable gameapparatus was operated just like a frypan to receive the jumped egg withthe frypan.

FIG. 53 is examples of game scenes in a kitchen-knife space process. Inthe kitchen-knife space process, the portable game apparatus is operatedjust like a kitchen knife to play a game of cutting a cabbage into finestrips. In FIG. 53( a), a kitchen knife 98 and cabbage 99 is displayedin the game scene. As shown in FIG. 53( a), when the portable gameapparatus is slid in the plus direction of the X-axis, the cabbage 99 isdisplayed as moving left relative to the kitchen knife 98 as shown inFIG. 53( b) (because the kitchen knife 98 is always displayed at acenter of the game scene, the cabbage 99 is displayed moving relativelyleft). By thus processing, it is possible to provide the player with afeeling as if he or she adjusts a position to cut the cabbage bycontrolling the positional relationship between the cabbage and thekitchen knife.

Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 53( b), when the portable gameapparatus is vertically moved (movement input in the Z-axis direction),the cabbage 99 is displayed being cut by the kitchen knife 98 into finestrips. When this happens, it will be more effective if a sound ofcutting the cabbage is generated.

The explanation below will be made regarding the data stored on thememory with reference to FIG. 54. Incidentally, the program ROM 34stores a program almost similar to the program ROM of the firstembodiment (FIG. 16). However, the acceleration-sensor output valueconversion table memory area stores a table for a frypan, a table forjumping an egg and a table for a kitchen knife. The game program memoryarea stores a main program, a sensor output read program, a frypan spaceprogram, an egg jump program, a kitchen knife space program and otherprograms. Incidentally, the frypan table in the acceleration-sensoroutput value conversion table will be referred to as a frypan spaceprogram as hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 56. Theegg-jumping table will be referred to as an egg-jumping program ashereinafter described with reference to FIG. 58. The kitchen-knife tablewill be referred to as a kitchen-knife space program as hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 57.

In the frypan table, the output value (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 is defined to be utilized in calculating a changeamount of egg X-and-Y coordinates (Ex, Ey). Due to this, the displayposition of an egg is varied when a tilt is input to the portable gameapparatus (see FIG. 10 in the first embodiment), thereby displaying andcontrolling the egg as if it slides over the frypan. Also, the outputvalue (INz) of the coordinate Z-axis contact switch 32 is to be utilizedin a jump determination of an egg. The impact input flag (FS) is definedso that it is not to be utilized.

In the egg jumping table, the output value (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 is defined to be utilized in calculating a changeamount of an egg X-and-Y coordinates (Ex, Ey). Due to this, the displayposition of an egg is varied when inputting a slide to the portable gameapparatus while the egg is jumping (see FIG. 9 in the first embodiment).This provides display and control as if the relative position of thefrypan and the egg was varied. Incidentally, in the egg jumping table,the correction ratio is defined as a minus value. This is because in thepresent embodiment the frypan is displayed fixedly in the game scene andthe egg is displayed as moving relative to the frypan. Consequently,there is a need to display a movement of the egg in a direction reverseto the slide direction of the portable game apparatus. Also, the outputvalue (INz) of the Z-axis contact switch 32 and the impact input flag(FS) are not utilized.

In the kitchen-knife table, the output values (INx, INy) of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 is defined to be utilized in calculating a changeamount of a cabbage X-and-Y coordinates (CAx, CAy). Due to this, when aslide is input to the portable game apparatus, the display position ofthe cabbage is varied to provide display and control as if the relativeposition of the cabbage and the kitchen knife were varied. Incidentally,in the kitchen-knife table, the correction ratio is defined as a minusvalue similarly to the egg-jumping table. This is because, in thepresent embodiment, the kitchen knife is fixedly displayed in the gamescene. In order to display the cabbage moving relative to the kitchenknife, there is a need to display the cabbage as moving in a directionreverse to a slide direction of the portable game apparatus. Also, theoutput value (INz) of the Z-axis contact switch 32 is utilized in thedetermination of the cabbage cutting process, and the impact input flag(FS) is defined so that it is not to be utilized.

FIG. 54 is a memory map of the work RAM 26. The work RAM 26 storestemporary data to be used upon executing the game program by the CPU 21.Specifically, the work RAM 26 includes the following memory areas: anacceleration-sensor output value memory area 263 a, an impact input flagmemory area 263 b, an egg data memory area 263 c and a cabbage datamemory area 263 d.

The data stored in the acceleration-sensor output value memory area 263a and impact input flag memory area 263 b is similar to the firstembodiment. Hence, explanation thereof is omitted.

The egg data memory area 263 c stores data of the egg X coordinate (Ex),the egg Y coordinate (Ey), height (Eh) and broiling conditions (Ef). Thecabbage data memory area 263 d stores data of cabbage's X coordinate(CAx), Y coordinate (CAy) and cut conditions (CAc).

The memory map of the display RAM is similar to FIG. 18 in the firstembodiment, and explanation thereof is thus omitted.

A flow of game program process will be explained below with reference toFIG. 55 to FIG. 59.

FIG. 55 is a main routing flowchart. When a cartridge 30 is inserted inthe portable game apparatus main body 10 and the power to the portablegame apparatus main body 10 is turned on, a main routine shown in FIG.55 is started. In the third embodiment, an 0G position set process or aneutral-position set process may be made as in the first embodiment. Adetailed explanation thereof is thus omitted for the sake of simplicity.

First, in step S71 a sensor output read process is performed similarlyto FIG. 31 of the first embodiment to read an output value of theXY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 through thesensor interface 33 (correction by 0G position data and neutral positiondata is omitted). After the step S71, it is determined in step S72whether the button A (operation switch 13 b) is pressed or not. If inthe step S72 a determination is made that the button A is pressed, theprocess advances to step S73 to make reference to FIG. 57 and perform akitchen knife space process hereinafter described, then the processproceeds to step S76.

If in the step S72 it is determined that the button A is not pressed,the process proceeds to step S74 to determine whether the button B(operation switch 13 c) is pressed or not. If a determination is madethat the B button is not pressed in the step S74, the process advancesto step S76. If a determination is made that the button B is pressed inthe step S74, the process advances to step S75 to perform a frypan spaceprocess hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 56, then theprocess advances to step S76.

It is determined in the step S76 whether the game is over is not.Specifically, game over determination is made under a proper conditionas suited to a game content, such as determining a game over when apredetermined time has elapsed. If no game over is determined in thestep S76, the process returns to the step S71. If game over isdetermined in the step S76, the main routine ends.

FIG. 56 is a frypan space process flowchart. First, in step S771reference is made to the frypan table to make a change process to theegg X coordinate (Ex) and egg Y coordinate (Ey). After the step S771, instep S772 an egg jump process is made that is hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 58. After the step S772, in step S773 processing ismade to increase the egg-broil condition (Ef) by 1. After the step S773,it is determined in step S774 whether the egg-broil condition (Ef)becomes 100 or greater or not. If it is determined that the egg-broilcondition (Ef) is smaller than 100, the frypan space process ends. If itis determined that the egg-broil condition (Ef) is 100 or greater, theprocess advances to step S775 to perform an egg success process. In theegg success process, a scene, e.g., of completing egg cooking isdisplayed and a score-adding process is made. After the step S775, thefrypan space process ends.

FIG. 57 is a kitchen-knife space process flowchart. First, in step S741reference is made to the kitchen-knife table to perform a change processto the cabbage X coordinate (CAx) and cabbage Y coordinate (CAy). Afterthe step S741, in step S742 a cabbage cut process is made that ishereinafter described with reference to FIG. 59. After the step S742, itis determined in step S743 whether the cabbage cut ratio (CAc) is 100 orgreater or not. If it is determined that the cabbage cut ratio (CAc) issmaller than 100 determined, the kitchen-knife space process is ended.If it is determined that the cabbage cut ratio (CAc) is 100 or greater,the process proceeds to step S744 to perform a cabbage success process.In the cabbage success process, a scene, e.g. of completing cabbagecutting is displayed and a score-adding process is made. After the stepS774, the kitchen-knife space process ends.

FIG. 58 is an egg jump process flowchart. First, it is determined instep S772 a whether there is an output of the Z-axis contact switch ornot (e.g. whether there is an impact input in the Z-axis direction ornot). If it is determined in the step S772 a that there is no output ofthe Z-axis contact switch, the egg jump process ends. If it isdetermined that there is an output of the Z-axis contact switch in thestep S772 a, in step S772 b the jumping egg is displayed. After the stepS772 b, in step S772 c the egg is set in height (Eh) to CH(predetermined value). After the step S772 c, in step S772 d a sensoroutput read process is made similarly to FIG. 31 of the firstembodiment, thereby reading an output of the XY-axis acceleration sensor31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 through the sensor interface 33(correction by 0G position data and neutral position data is omitted).After the step S772 d, in step S772 e reference is made to the egg jumptable to perform a change process to the egg X coordinate (Ex) and egg Ycoordinate (Ey). The step S772 e, in step S772 f processing is made todecrease the egg height (Eh) by 1. After the step S772 f, in step S772 gprocessing is made to display based on the egg X coordinate (Ex), Ycoordinate (Ey) and height (Eh). After the step S772 g, it is determinedin step S772 h whether the egg has landed or not, i.e. the egg height(Eh) has become 0 or not. If it is determined that the egg has notlanded in the step S772 h, the process returns to the step S772 d. If itis determined that the egg has landed in the step S772 h, it isdetermined in step S772 a whether an egg landing position is within thefrypan or not. If determined within the frypan, then in step S772 j ajump success process has made and then the egg jump process is ended. Inthe jump success process, for example, music of success is generatedwhile displaying “SUCCESS” and a score-adding process is made. Where itis determined in the S772 i that the egg landing position is outside thefrypan, in step S772 k a jump failure process is made and then the eggjump process is ended. In the jump failure process, for example, musicof failure is generated while displaying “FAILURE” and processing ismade to render the egg-broil condition (Ef) 0 (re-frying egg cooking).

FIG. 59 is a cabbage cut process flowchart. First, it is determined instep S742 a whether there is an output of the Z-axis contact switch ornot (i.e. whether there is a movement input in the Z-axis direction ornot). If no output of the Z-axis contact switch is determined in stepS742 a, the cabbage cut process ends. If an output of the Z-axis contactswitch is determined in the step S742 a, it is determined in step S742 bwhether there is a cabbage below the kitchen knife or not. If it isdetermined in the step S742 b that there is no cabbage below the kitchenknife, the cabbage cut process ends. If it is determined that there is acabbage below the kitchen knife in the step S742 b, in step S742 c adisplay process is made (display of cutting a constant amount ofcabbage). After the step S742 c, in step S742 d processing is made toincrease the cabbage cut ratio (CAc) by 1 and then the cabbage cutprocess ends.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth present example embodiment will be explained withreference to FIG. 60 to FIG. 66. FIG. 60 illustrates a concept view of agame space and example of a game scene of a plurality of portable gameapparatuses. This game shares a game space through communication betweenthe portable game apparatuses so that a plurality of players can enjoy agame while competing (or cooperating) in a game similar to the firstembodiment. The game space has a maze plate that is common to theportable game apparatuses 10 and 40 so that the game images on theportable game apparatus 10 and portable game apparatus 40 are on thebasis of the same game space data (note that the range of sight isdifferent between the portable game apparatuses). On the LCD of thefirst portable game apparatus 10 a range 12 shown by the one-dot chainline is displayed. On the LCD of the second portable game apparatus 40,a range 42 shown by the dotted line is displayed. Similarly to the firstembodiment, the tilt of the maze plate as a game space is simulated inaccordance with a tilt of the portable game apparatus. However, in thepresent embodiment, simulation of a maze plate tilt is made by a valuecombining a tilt of the portable game apparatus 10 and a tilt of theportable game apparatus 40 (simulation of a maze plate tilt may be by atilt of one portable game apparatus). A player on the portable gameapparatus 10 would try to operate the tilt of the maze plate by tiltingthe portable game apparatus 10 in order to manipulate his or her ownball 61 a. On the other hand, a player on the portable game apparatus 40would try to operate the tilt of the maze plate by tilting the portablegame apparatus 40 in order to manipulate his or her own ball 61 b. Thus,they are difficult to tilt the maze plate in line with their intentions,providing enjoy for a more complicated game. Incidentally, in thisembodiment, a communication cable 50 is used to communicate between thetwo portable game apparatuses. However, communication means such aswireless or portable phone may be utilized.

The program ROM of the fourth embodiment stores data almost similar tothat of the program ROM (FIG. 16) of the first embodiment. However, thefollowing are also stored in a game program memory area: a mapconfirming program hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 63 andFIG. 64 and a communication interrupt program hereinafter described withreference to FIG. 65 and FIG. 66, in addition to those of the firstembodiment.

Among the programs stored in the game program memory area, the mainprogram, the map confirming program and the communication interruptingprogram are different between the portable game apparatus 10 and theportable game apparatus 40. This difference is needed to performcommunication processing using the portable game apparatus 10 as amaster unit and the portable game apparatus 40 as a slave unit, thedetail of which will be hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 61to FIG. 66.

The work RAM of the fourth embodiment stores data almost similar to thatof the work RAM 17 of the first embodiment. However, a composite datamemory area is further included in addition to those of the firstembodiment. The composite data memory area stores a composite value ofan output value of the XY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contactswitch 32 of the portable game apparatus 10 and an output value of theXY-axis acceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 of theportable game apparatus 40.

The memory maps of the display RAM and backup RAM are similar to thoseof FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 of the first embodiment. Hence an explanationthereof is omitted.

A flow of a game program process will be explained below with referenceto FIGS. 61-66.

FIG. 61 is a main routine flowchart to be executed in the portable gameapparatus 10. Although in this embodiment the 0G set process,neutral-position set process and impact-input wave generation processare omitted for the sake of simplicity, these processes may be addedsimilarly to the first embodiment.

First, in step S81 p a game-map select process is performed similarly toFIG. 30 of the first embodiment. After the step S81 p, in step S82 preference is made to FIG. 63 to perform a master-machine-map confirmingprocess hereinafter described with reference to FIG. 63. After the stepS82 p, the process advances to step S83 p.

Steps S83 p to S85 p are a main loop to be repeatedly processed untilgame-over or game-clear is reached. In step S83 p, required data iswritten to the display RAM 25 based on the data of the work RAM 26 sothat game scenes are displayed on the LCD 12 based on the data stored onthe display RAM 25. In step S84 p, an each-object moving process (wavemoving process is omitted) is made similarly to that of FIG. 32 to FIG.36 of the first embodiment, thus moving the player character and NPC.After the step S84 p, in step S85 p, a collision process is performedsimilarly to that of FIG. 37 of the first embodiment, thus colliding theplayer character with an NPC or the like. After the step S85 p, in stepS86 p a screen scroll process is made similarly to that of FIG. 40 ofthe first embodiment.

FIG. 62 is a main routine flowchart to be executed in the portable gameapparatus 40. Although in this embodiment the 0G set process,neutral-position set process and impact-input wave generation processare omitted in order for simplicity, these processes may be addedsimilarly to the first embodiment.

First, in step S81 c a game-map select process is made similarly to thatof FIG. 30 of the first embodiment. After the step S81 c, in step S82 ca slave-machine map confirming process is performed that is hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 64. After the step S82 c, the processadvances to step S83 c.

Steps S83 c to S88 c are a main loop to be repeated until a game-over orgame-clear is reached. First, in step S83 c required data is written tothe display RAM 25 on the basis of the data in the work RAM 26 so thatgame scenes are displayed on the LCD 12 on the basis of the data storedon the display RAM 25. After the step S83 c, in step S84 c a sensoroutput read process is made similarly to that of FIG. 31 of the firstembodiment. This process reads an output value of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 through the sensorinterface 33 (correction by 0G position data and neutral position datais omitted). After the step S84 c, in step S85 c an interrupt signal andthe acceleration-sensor output value data (INx, INy, INz) that are readout in the former step S84 c and stored to the work RAM 26 aretransmitted to the portable game apparatus 10. The portable gameapparatus 10 receives the interrupt signal and starts a master-machinecommunication interrupt process hereinafter described with reference toFIG. 65. After the step S85 c, in step S86 c an each-object movingprocess (wave moving process is omitted) is performed similarly to thatof FIG. 32 to FIG. 36 of the first embodiment, thereby performing amoving process for the player character and NPC. After the step S86 c,in step S87 c a collision process is performed similarly to that of FIG.37 of the first embodiment, thus colliding the player character with anNPC or the like. After the step S87 c, in step S88 c a screen scrollprocess is made similarly to that of FIG. 40 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 63 is a master-machine map confirmation process flowchart to beexecuted in the portable game apparatus 10. First, in step S87 p 1 themap number data stored on ones own work RAM 26 is transmitted to theportable game apparatus 40. After the step S87 p 1, in step S87 p 2 datatransmission and reception is made. Specifically, received is the mapnumber data transmitted from the portable game apparatus 40 in a stepS87 c 3 of a slave-machine map confirmation process hereinafterdescribed with reference to FIG. 64. If it is determined that data isreceived in step S87 p 3, it is then determined in step S87 p 4 whetherthe own map number data agrees with the map number data of the portablegame apparatus 40 received in the former step S87 p 2 or not. Ifagreement of the map number data is determined in step S87 p 4, themaster-machine map confirmation process ends. If no agreement of the mapnumber data is determined in the step S87 p 4, the process returns tothe game map select process in step S81 p of the main routine of FIG.61.

FIG. 64 is a slave-machine map confirmation process flowchart to beexecuted in a portable game apparatus 40. First, in step S87 c 1 datatransmission and reception is made. Specifically, received is the mapnumber data transmitted from the portable game apparatus 10 in step S87p 1 of the master-machine map confirmation process of FIG. 63. If it isdetermined that data is received in step S87 c 2, in step S87 c 3 themap number data stored on ones own work RAM 26 is transmitted to theportable game apparatus 10. After the step S87 c 3, it is determined instep S87 c 4 whether the own map number data agrees with the map numberdata of the portable game apparatus received in the former step S87 c 1or not. If it is determined that the map number data agree in step S87 c4, the slave-machine map confirmation process ends. If it is determinedthat there is no agreement of the map number data in the step S87 c 4,the process returns to the game map select process in step S81 c of themain routine of FIG. 62.

FIG. 65 is a master-machine communication interrupt process flowchart tobe executed in the portable game apparatus 10. This process is startedby an interrupt signal transmitted in the step S85 c of the main routinefor the portable game apparatus 40 shown in FIG. 62. First, in step S91p data transmission and reception is made. Specifically, received is anacceleration-sensor output value of the portable game apparatus 40transmitted in the step S85 c of the main routine for the portable gameapparatus 40 shown in FIG. 62. After the step S91 p, in step S92 p asensor output read process is made similarly to that of FIG. 31 of thefirst embodiment, thereby reading an output value of the XY-axisacceleration sensor 31 and Z-axis contact switch 32 through the sensorinterface 33 (correction by 0G position data and neutral position datais omitted). After step S92 p, in step S93 p composition is made of anacceleration-sensor output value of the portable game apparatus 40received in the former step S91 p and an acceleration-sensor outputvalue of portable game apparatus 10 read out in the former step S92 p.Here, composition may be made by a calculation process of mere addition,or by calculation of a composite value from two values through acomplicate calculation formula, e.g. adding two values together withweighting. After the step S93 p, in step S94 p an interrupt signal andthe composite data calculated in the former step S93 p are transmittedto the portable game apparatus 40.

FIG. 66 is a slave-machine communication interrupt flowchart to beexecuted in the portable game apparatus 40. This process is startedaccording to an interrupt signal transmitted in step S9 ⁴p of themaster-machine communication interrupt process of FIG. 65. In step S91c, the composite data is received from the portable game apparatus 10,and the process ends.

Although in the above embodiment the portable game apparatus wasprovided with detecting means, the detecting means may be provided on acontroller of a home-use game machine, personal computer, orbusiness-purpose game machine as shown in FIG. 67. In this case, aplayer can control a game space displayed on a display device, such astelevision receiver, by tilting or applying a movement or impact to thecontroller. For example, as shown in FIG. 68 tilting the controllerprovides display of tilting a plate as a game space on the displaydevice wherein simulation is provided to roll a ball on the plate. Thesimulation is such that tilting the controller to the right provides atilt of the plate to the right to roll the ball to the right whereastilting the controller to the left provides a tilt of the plate to theleft to roll the ball to the left.

Although in the above embodiments the acceleration sensor was providedon the cartridge, the acceleration sensor may be provided on the side ofthe portable game apparatus main body. In the case of providing anacceleration sensor on the side of the portable game apparatus mainbody, there is no need to provide an acceleration sensor for eachcartridge, reducing cost. Also, the information storage medium used forthe portable game apparatus is not limited to a cartridge but may be anIC card, such as a PC card.

Although in the above first embodiment the neutral position data wasstored on the work RAM 26 and set up each time of game play, it may bestored on the backup RAM 35 so that the same data can be utilized innext-round of game play.

Although in the above first embodiment the neutral position wasdetermined by a player, neutral position data may be previously storedin a game program so that it can be utilized. Also, a plurality ofneutral position data may be stored so that a player can select any ofthem.

In the first embodiment, the game characters employed only the playercharacter (ball) and enemy character (tortoise). However, in addition tothem, it is possible to appear NPC (non-player character), such as anycharacters, assisting the player character or neutral characters. TheseNPCs, although self-controlled according to a game program (NPC notself-controlled may be provided), may be moved or deformed according toan operation (tilt, movement or impact input) by a player.

Although in the above first embodiment game-space control was based onlyon an output of the acceleration sensor, there may be provided a portionof a game space to be controlled according to an operation switch. Forexample, it is possible to contemplate such a game that in a pin ballgame a flipper operates when pressing an operation switch whilecontrolling a pin ball board as a game space by tilting or swinging theportable game apparatus.

Also, in a game so-called “fall game” wherein fall objects are piled upso that score is calculated according to a state of piling up, it ispossible to contemplate such a game that an object is changed indirection by operation switches or moved at high speed due to impactinput or deformed due to movement input in the Z-axis direction whilecontrolling the game space by tilting or swinging the portable gameapparatus.

Although in the above first embodiment the game characters were moved inaccordance with a tilt of the portable game apparatus (i.e. tilt of themaze plate as a game space), they may be moved according to a movementor impact to the portable game apparatus. For example, it is possible tocontemplate providing display and control such that, when the portablegame apparatus is slid, simulation is given to move a maze plate wallsimilarly, moving a game character contacting the wall as if it werepressed by the wall.

Although in the above embodiment the player character (ball) itself wasdisplayed moving, the player character may be displayed fixedly and thegame space may be scrolled so that the player character is displayedmoving relative to the game space.

Although in the above fourth embodiment the two players made the samecontrol to tilt the maze plate, the two players may perform individualcontrol. For example, it is possible to contemplate such a game that oneplayer tilts the portable game apparatus to control and tilt a mazeplate whereas the other player inputs movement in the Z-axis directionto the portable game apparatus to cause a game character to jump orapplies an impact in the XY-axis direction to generate and controlwaves.

In the above fourth embodiment, the portable game apparatus 10 storedthe master-machine program and the portable game apparatus 40 aslave-machine program, in respect of the main, map confirmation andcommunication interrupt programs. Instead, both master-machine programand slave-machine program may be stored on each of the portable gameapparatus 10 and the portable game apparatus 40 so that setting can bemade as to which one is used as a master or slave unit prior to a startof a game and the program be selected according to such setting.

Although the present example embodiments have been described andillustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by wayof illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way oflimitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by theappended claims.

1. A game system, associated with a display device, the game systemcomprising: a game apparatus having a game program storage devicestoring a game program and including a character data storage section togenerate a display of a first moving character and a second movingcharacter each movable on a game space and a processing device forexecuting the game program to generate a display of an image based onthe result of processing by the processing device a housing to be heldby a player; and a change-state detecting programmed logic circuitryrelated to said housing for detecting at least one of an amount and adirection of a change applied to said housing, wherein said game programstorage device stores game space data including image data to generate adisplay of a space for game play, and a display control program causessaid display device to display a game space based on the game spacedata; said game program storage device includes a character controlprogram to read out a first moving character and a second movingcharacter stored in said character data storage section and enablecontrol related to said at least one of a change amount and a changedirection applied to said housing based on an output of saidchange-state detecting programmed logic circuitry such that a displaystate of the first moving character and the second moving characterchanges; said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry is todetect, as said at least one change amount and change direction, atleast one of an amount and a direction of a tilt applied to saidhousing, and said character control program simultaneously moves boththe first and second moving characters within the displayed game spaceat respective moving speeds related to the at least one of an amount anda direction of a tilt applied to said housing so that the first andsecond moving characters each changes position relative to the displayedgame space based on the at least one of an amount and a direction oftilt applied to the housing and each continues to change positionrelative to the displayed game space based on the at least one of anamount and a direction of tilt applied to the housing even if the tiltis maintained at a constant tilted state.
 2. A game system comprising: adisplay device; a game apparatus having a game program storage devicestoring a game program and including a character data storage section togenerate a display of a moving character movable on a game space and aprocessing device for executing the game program to generate a displayof an image based on the result of processing by the processing device ahousing, to be held by a player, which is integrally formed with thedisplay device so that as the housing is moved by the player, thedisplay device is also moved; and a change-state detecting programmedlogic circuitry related to said housing for detecting at least one of anamount and a direction of a change applied to said housing, wherein saidgame program storage device stores game space data including image datato generate a display of a space for game play, and a display controlprogram causes said display device to display a game space based on thegame space data; said game program storage device includes a charactercontrol program to read out a moving character stored in said characterdata storage section and enable control related to said at least one ofa change amount and a change direction applied to said housing based onan output of said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry suchthat a display state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetecting programmed logic circuitry detects, as said at least onechange amount and change direction, at least one of an amount and adirection of a sliding movement applied to said housing, and saidcharacter control program moves the moving character within thedisplayed game space at a moving speed related to the at least one of anamount and a direction of a sliding movement applied to said housing sothat the moving character changes position relative to the displayedgame space based on the at least one of an amount and a direction ofsliding movement applied to the housing.
 3. A game system comprising: adisplay device; a game apparatus having a game program storage devicestoring a game program and including a character data storage section togenerate a display of a moving character movable on a game space and aprocessing device for executing the game program to generate a displayof an image based on the result of processing by the processing device ahousing, to be held by a player, which is integrally formed with thedisplay device so that as the housing is moved by the player, thedisplay device is also moved; and a change-state detecting programmedlogic circuitry related to said housing for detecting at least one of anamount and a direction of a change applied to said housing, wherein saidgame program storage device stores game space data including image datato generate a display of a space for game play, and a display controlprogram causes said display device to display a game space based on thegame space data; said game program storage device includes a charactercontrol program to read out a moving character stored in said characterdata storage section and enable control related to said at least one ofa change amount and a change direction applied to said housing based onan output of said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry suchthat a display state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetecting programmed logic circuitry detects, as said at least onechange amount and change direction, at least one of an amount and adirection of an impact applied to said housing, and said charactercontrol program moves the moving character within the displayed gamespace at a moving speed related to the at least one of an amount and adirection of an impact applied to said housing so that the movingcharacter changes position relative to the displayed game space based onthe at least one of an amount and a direction of impact applied to thehousing.
 4. A game system according to claim 1, wherein saidchange-state detecting programmed logic circuitry is for detecting bothof said amount and direction of a change applied to said housing, andsaid character control program moves the moving character within thedisplayed game space at a moving speed related to both of an amount anda direction of tilt applied to said housing.
 5. A game system accordingto claim 1, wherein said housing is a housing of said game apparatus,and said game apparatus being a portable game apparatus having saiddisplay device provided integrally on one main surface of said housing.6. A game system, associated with a display device, the game systemcomprising: a game apparatus having a game program storage devicestoring a game program and including a character data storage section togenerate a display of a moving character movable on a game space and aprocessing device for executing the game program to generate a displayof an image based on the result of processing by the processing device ahousing to be held by a player; and a change-state detecting programmedlogic circuitry related to said housing for detecting at least one of anamount and a direction of a change applied to said housing, wherein saidgame program storage device stores game space data including image datato generate a display of a space for game play, and a display controlprogram causes said display device to display a game space based on thegame space data; said game program storage device includes a charactercontrol program to read out a moving character stored in said characterdata storage section and enable control related to said at least one ofa change amount and a change direction applied to said housing based onan output of said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry suchthat a display state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetecting programmed logic circuitry is to detect, as said at least onechange amount and change direction, at least one of an amount and adirection of a tilt applied to said housing, and said character controlprogram moves the moving character within the displayed game space at amoving speed related to the at least one of an amount and a direction ofa tilt applied to said housing so that the moving character changesposition relative to the displayed game space based on the at least oneof an amount and a direction of tilt applied to the housing andcontinues to change position relative to the displayed game space basedon the at least one of an amount and a direction of tilt applied to thehousing even if the tilt is maintained at a constant tilted state; saidgame program storage device further includes a non-player character datastorage section to generate a display of a non-player character to makea first action on the game space according to a predetermined programirrespectively of an operation by the player, and said character controlprogram provides control such that the non-player character makes afirst action previously determined by a program when any of changestates in amount and direction is not detected by said change-statedetecting programmed logic circuitry, and such that the non-playercharacter makes in addition to the first action a second action relatedto at least one of an amount and a direction of a change based on anoutput of said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry when atleast one of the change states in amount and direction is detected bysaid change-state detecting programmed logic circuitry.
 7. A game systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the game space data including data togenerate a display of a particular area defined such that, when themoving character moves within the game space, the moving character isdifferent in action from that in another area, said character controlprogram controlling a display state of the moving character related tothe at least one of an amount and a direction of a change applied tosaid housing based on an output of said change-state detectingprogrammed logic circuitry, and display-controlling, when the movingcharacter moves within the game space, the moving character beingdifferent in action from that in another area.
 8. A game systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the game space data includes space data togenerate a display of a greater game space than a display area to bedisplayed by said display device, the display control program includingdata to generate a display on said display device image data of a partof the game space existing in a range of the display area of the gamespace, and a simulation program simulating a state of only the gamespace existing in the display area based on the at least one of anamount and a direction of a change in an output of said change-statedetecting programmed logic circuitry.
 9. A game system according toclaim 1, wherein said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitrydetects as a change amount a moving amount of said housing and as achange direction a moving direction, the game space data including spacedata to generate a display of a game space greater than a display areaof said display device, and the display control program displaying onsaid display device a space area of a part of a game space correspondingto the display area, and gradually moving the display area of the gamespace in the moving direction by an area corresponding to the movingamount according to a movement of said housing.
 10. A game systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said game apparatus has operating deviceto be operated by a player on one main surface of said housing, and saidcharacter control enabling control based on a detection output of saidchange-state detecting programmed logic circuitry and an operating stateof said operating device.
 11. A game system, associated with a displayto display an image, the game system comprising: a game apparatus havinga game program memory storing a game program and including a characterdata storage section to display a first moving character and a secondmoving character each movable on a game space and game space dataincluding image data to display a space for game play; a processor forexecuting the game program to generate a display of the image based on aresult of execution by the processor; a housing to be held by a player;and a change-state detector related to said housing for detecting atleast one of an amount and a direction of a change applied to saidhousing, wherein a display control program causes said display todisplay a game space based on the game space data; said game programmemory includes a character control program to read out a first movingcharacter and a second moving character stored in said character datastorage section and enable control related to said at least one of achange amount and a change direction applied to said housing based on anoutput of said change-state detector such that a display state of themoving character changes; said change-state detector detects, as said atleast one change amount and change direction, at least one of an amountand a direction of a tilt applied to said housing, and said charactercontrol program moves both the first moving character and the secondmoving character within the displayed game space at respective movingspeeds related to the at least one of an amount and a direction of atilt applied to said housing so that each of the first and second movingcharacters change position relative to the displayed game space based onthe at least one of an amount and a direction of tilt applied to thehousing and each continues to change position relative to the displayedgame space based on the at least one of an amount and a direction oftilt applied to the housing even if the tilt is maintained at a constanttilted state.
 12. A game system comprising: a display device to displayan image; a game apparatus having a game program memory storing a gameprogram and including a character data storage section to display amoving character movable on a game space and game space data includingimage data to display a space for game play; a processor for executingthe game program to generate a display of the image based on a result ofexecution by the processor; a housing, to be held by a player, which isintegrally formed with the display device so that as the housing ismoved by the player, the display device is also moved; and achange-state detector related to said housing for detecting at least oneof an amount and a direction of a change applied to said housing,wherein a display control program causes said display to display a gamespace based on the game space data; said game program memory includes acharacter control program to read out a moving character stored in saidcharacter data storage section and enable control related to said atleast one of a change amount and a change direction applied to saidhousing based on an output of said change-state detector such that adisplay state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetector detects, as said at least one change amount and changedirection, at least one of an amount and a direction of a slidingmovement applied to said housing, and said character control programmoves the moving character within the displayed game space at a movingspeed related to the at least one of an amount and a direction of asliding movement applied to said housing so that the moving characterchanges position relative to the displayed game space based on the atleast one of an amount and a direction of sliding movement applied tothe housing.
 13. A game system comprising: a display device to displayan image a game apparatus having a game program memory storing a gameprogram and including a character data storage section to display amoving character movable on a game space and game space data includingimage data to display a space for game play; a processor for executingthe game program to generate a display of the image based on a result ofexecution by the processor; a housing, to be held by a player, which isintegrally formed with the display device so that as the housing ismoved by the player, the display device is also moved; and achange-state detector related to said housing for detecting at least oneof an amount and a direction of a change applied to said housing,wherein a display control program causes said display to display a gamespace based on the game space data; said game program memory includes acharacter control program to read out a moving character stored in saidcharacter data storage section and enable control related to said atleast one of a change amount and a change direction applied to saidhousing based on an output of said change-state detector such that adisplay state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetector detects, as said at least one change amount and changedirection, at least one of an amount and a direction of an impactapplied to said housing, and said character control program moves themoving character within the displayed game space at a moving speedrelated to the at least one of an amount and a direction of an impactapplied to said housing so that the moving character changes positionrelative to the displayed game space based on the at least one of anamount and a direction of impact applied to the housing.
 14. A gamesystem according to claim 11, wherein: said change-state detectordetects both of said amount and direction of a change applied to saidhousing, and said character control program moves the moving characterwithin the displayed game space at a moving speed related to both of anamount and a direction of tilt applied to said housing.
 15. A gamesystem according to claim 11, wherein: said housing is a housing of saidgame apparatus, and said game apparatus is a portable game apparatushaving said display provided integrally on one main surface of saidhousing.
 16. A game system according to claim 11, wherein: said gameprogram memory further includes a non-player character data storagesection to generate a display of a non-player character to make a firstaction on the game space according to a predetermined programirrespectively of an operation by the player, and said character controlprogram provides control such that the non-player character makes afirst action previously determined by a program when any of changestates in amount and direction is not detected by said change-statedetector and such that the non-player character makes, in addition tothe first action, a second action related to at least one of an amountand a direction of a change based on an output of said change-statedetector when the at least one of change states in amount and directionis detected by said change-state detector.
 17. A game system, associatedwith a display to display an image, the game system comprising: a gameapparatus having a game program memory storing a game program andincluding a character data storage section to display a moving charactermovable on a game space and game space data including image data todisplay a space for game play; a processor for executing the gameprogram to generate a display of the image based on a result ofexecution by the processor; a housing to be held by a player; and achange-state detector related to said housing for detecting at least oneof an amount and a direction of a change applied to said housing,wherein a display control program causes said display to display a gamespace based on the game space data; said game program memory includes acharacter control program to read out a moving character stored in saidcharacter data storage section and enable control related to said atleast one of a change amount and a change direction applied to saidhousing based on an output of said change-state detector such that adisplay state of the moving character changes; said change-statedetector detects, as said at least one change amount and changedirection, at least one of an amount and a direction of a tilt appliedto said housing, and said character control program moves the movingcharacter within the displayed game space at a moving speed related tothe at least one of an amount and a direction of a tilt applied to saidhousing so that the moving character changes position relative to thedisplayed game space based on the at least one of an amount and adirection of tilt applied to the housing and continues to changeposition relative to the displayed game space based on the at least oneof an amount and a direction of tilt applied to the housing even if thetilt is maintained at a constant tilted state; the game space dataincludes data to generate a display of a particular area defined suchthat, when the moving character moves within the game space, the movingcharacter is different in action from that in another area, saidcharacter control program controls a display state of the movingcharacter related to the at least one of an amount and a direction of achange applied to said housing based on an output of said change-statedetector, and display-controlling, when the moving character moveswithin the game space, the moving character being different in actionfrom that in another area.
 18. A game system according to claim 11,wherein: the game space data includes space data to generate a displayof a greater game space than a display area to be displayed by saiddisplay, the display control program includes data to generate a displayon said display image data of a part of the game space existing in arange of the display area of the game space, and a simulation programsimulates a state of only the game space existing in the display areabased on the at least one of an amount and a direction of a change in anoutput of change-state detector.
 19. A game system according to claim11, wherein: said change-state detector detects as a change amount amoving amount of said housing and as a change direction a movingdirection, the game space data includes space data to generate a displayof a game space greater than a display area of said display, and thedisplay control program displays on said display a space area of a partof a game space corresponding to the display area, and gradually movingthe display area of the game space in the moving direction by an areacorresponding to the moving amount according to a movement of saidhousing.
 20. A game system according to claim 11, wherein: said gameapparatus has an operator to be operated by a player on one main surfaceof said housing, and said character control program enables controlbased on a detection output to said change-state detector and anoperating state of said operator.
 21. A game system according to claim1, wherein the moving character is automatically moved by the charactercontrol program based on the at least one of an amount and a directionof tilt applied to said housing.
 22. A game system according to claim 2,wherein the moving character is automatically moved by the charactercontrol program based on the at least one of an amount and a directionof sliding movement applied to said housing.
 23. A game system accordingto claim 3, wherein the moving character is automatically moved by thecharacter control program based on the at least one of an amount and adirection of impact applied to said housing.
 24. A game system accordingto claim 11, wherein the moving character is automatically moved by thecharacter control program based on the at least one of an amount and adirection of tilt applied to said housing.
 25. A game system accordingto claim 12, wherein the moving character is automatically moved by thecharacter control program based on the at least one of an amount and adirection of sliding movement applied to said housing.
 26. A game systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the moving character is automaticallymoved by the character controlled program based on the at least one ofan amount and a direction of impact applied to said housing.
 27. A gamesystem according to claim 2, wherein said change-state detectingprogrammed logic circuitry is for detecting both of said amount anddirection of a change applied to said housing, and said charactercontrol program moves the moving character within the displayed gamespace at a moving speed related to both of the amount and direction ofsliding movement applied to said housing.
 28. A game system according toclaim 3, wherein said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitryis for detecting both of said amount and direction of a change appliedto said housing, and said character control program moves the movingcharacter within the displayed game space at a moving speed related toboth of the amount and direction of impact applied to said housing. 29.A game system according to claim 12, wherein said change-state detectingprogrammed logic circuitry is for detecting both of said amount anddirection of a change applied to said housing, and said charactercontrol program moves the moving character within the displayed gamespace at a moving speed related to both of the amount and direction ofsliding movement applied to said housing.
 30. A game system according toclaim 13, wherein said change-state detecting programmed logic circuitryis for detecting both of said amount and direction of a change appliedto said housing, and said character control program moves the movingcharacter within the displayed game space at a moving speed related toboth of the amount and direction of impact applied to said housing. 31.A game system according to claim 1, wherein the character controlprogram moves the moving character so that the moving character collideswith another object in the virtual game space.
 32. A game systemaccording to claim 2, wherein the character control program moves themoving character so that the moving character collides with anotherobject in the virtual game space.
 33. A game system according to claim11, wherein the character control program moves the moving character sothat the moving character collides with another object in the virtualgame space.
 34. A game system according to claim 12, wherein anoperation key which may be manipulated by the player is provided througha portion of the housing.
 35. A game system according to claim 1,wherein an operation key which may be manipulated by the player isprovided through a portion of the housing.
 36. A game system accordingto claim 2, wherein an operation key which may be manipulated by theplayer is provided through a portion of the housing.
 37. A game systemaccording to claim 3, wherein an operation key which may be manipulatedby the player is provided through a portion of the housing.
 38. A gamesystem according to claim 11, wherein an operation key which may bemanipulated by the player is provided through a portion of the housing.39. A game system according to claim 12, wherein an operation key whichmay be manipulated by the player is provided through a portion of thehousing.
 40. A game system according to claim 13, wherein an operationkey which may be manipulated by the player is provided through a portionof the housing.
 41. A game system according to claim 2, wherein, uponexecution, said character control program reads out another movingcharacter stored in said character data storage section and enablescontrol based on an output of said change-state detecting programmedlogic circuitry such that a display state of the another movingcharacter changes; and said character control program simultaneouslymoves the moving character and the another moving character within thedisplayed game space at respective moving speeds related to the at leastone of an amount and a direction of a sliding movement applied to saidhousing so that each of the moving character and the another movingcharacter changes position relative to the displayed game space based onthe at least one of an amount and a direction of sliding movementapplied to the housing.
 42. A game system according to claim 3 wherein,upon execution, said character control program reads out another movingcharacter stored in said character data storage section and enablescontrol based on an output of said change-state detecting programmedlogic circuitry such that a display state of the another movingcharacter changes; and said character control program simultaneouslymoves the moving character and the another moving character within thedisplayed game space at respective moving speeds related to the at leastone of an amount and a direction of impact applied to said housing sothat each of the moving character and the another moving characterchanges position relative to the displayed game space based on the atleast one of an amount and a direction of impact applied to the housing.43. A game system according to claim 12 wherein, upon execution, saidcharacter control program reads out another moving character stored insaid character data storage section and enables control based on anoutput of said change-state detector such that a display state of theanother moving character changes; and said character control programsimultaneously moves the moving character and the another movingcharacter within the displayed game space at respective moving speedsrelated to the at least one of an amount and a direction of a slidingmovement applied to said housing so that each of the moving characterand the another moving character changes position relative to thedisplayed game space based on the at least one of an amount and adirection of sliding movement applied to the housing.
 44. A game systemaccording to claim 13 wherein, upon execution, said character controlprogram reads out another moving character stored in said character datastorage section and enables control based on an output of saidchange-state detector such that a display state of the another movingcharacter changes; and said character control program simultaneouslymoves the moving character and the another moving character within thedisplayed game space at respective moving speeds related to the at leastone of an amount and a direction of impact applied to said housing sothat each of the moving character and the another moving characterchanges position relative to the displayed game space based on the atleast one of an amount and a direction of impact applied to the housing.45. A game system according to claim 1, wherein the game system is aportable game system in which the display device and the housing areintegrally formed with each other so that as the housing is moved by theplayer, the display device is also moved.
 46. A game system according toclaim 11, wherein the game system is a portable game system in which thedisplay device and the housing are integrally formed with each other sothat as the housing is moved by the player, the display device is alsomoved.